Eagles reward Cup winners

West Coast players took some time out from their Western Derby preparations to present trophies to 2016 Eagles Cup winners on Monday.

The Eagles Cup, a joint initiative between the West Coast Eagles, BHP Billiton and the West Australian Football Commission, is WA’s premier inter-school football competition for Years 4-7 students.

Thirty schools enjoyed a special visit from Eagles’ players, who spent their time presenting trophies, answering questions, signing autographs and posing for photos.

Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie dropped in to Kensington Primary School to present some lucky junior footballers with their trophy.

Brown was particularly interested to find out how many girls got a guernsey in the school’s football team this year.

“Having the National Women’s League starting next year is so inspiring for the girls coming through school and wanting to play with the boys,” Brown said.

“It’s important for them to know there is a pathway and that having a go in the Eagles Cup is just the beginning.”

Brown, who discovered one girl fought her way into the school’s best 22, encouraged all students sign up for next year’s competition.

“It would be great to see more girls playing each year. The competition is all about fun and staying active and we really want to show that this is a game for everyone,” Brown said.

More than 480 schools and 12,000 primary school students took part in the Eagles Cup this year.

Photo: Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie visited Kensington Primary School to present some talented junior footballers with their Eagles Cup trophy