If you see it, you can be it.
In June, RugbyWA ran the Junior Journalist experience, for schools participating in the School Ambassador Program, to provide a student with the opportunity to attend the Western Force v. British and Irish Lions match at Optus Stadium and be RugbyWA’s on-the-ground reporter.
The competition was built to empower young students, sharing their voice and providing the opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes of content creation and sports marketing. It provided a way to become more involved with the game, starring in social media content that reached the entire rugby ecosystem.
Students were asked to send in a video submission showing off their skills in front of a camera, answering why they wanted to be a Junior Journalist for the day. Submissions were submitted from across the rugby community, from Metropolitan Perth through to Peel.
Following this, Frederick Irwin Anglican School student and Mandurah Pirates Under 10s player, Evelyn Bancroft, was selected to be RugbyWA’s Junior Journalist.
With the opportunity and the content shot by an all-female team, and supported by her Mum, Evie had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with female creatives, learn how content was created by RugbyWA, and test her journalist skills.
After starting her day with try-scoring prowess at Mandurah Pirates, Evie travelled up to Optus Stadium, where she and her family got to witness first-hand the atmosphere and talent of the professional game. She then got behind the microphone as she interviewed fans of the game from across the globe, finding out their predictions for the game.
Described as ‘the coolest kid,’ by the creative team, Evie did an amazing job, asking hard-hitting questions to excited fans. Her confidence and kindness soared on-screen, making compelling content as the voice of RugbyWA.
As the winner of the Junior Journalist competition, Evie also won her school some rugby equipment, including Tri Tag Rugby belts and balls, which will be used in school clinics and future rugby sessions.
RugbyWA General Manager – Commercial, Marketing and Media, Liz Fotiou, said: “The Junior Journalist competition was an exciting opportunity to further integrate students involved in our School Ambassador Program into the rugby community here in WA. It was an incredible learning experience for students, and one we hope to continue as more opportunities arise.
Evelyn was an amazing selection for Junior Journalist, and her spirit really stood out. From her passion for rugby to her confidence on camera, we were so glad to host her for this experience and can’t wait to see what she achieves in rugby in the future.”
The next generation of inspiring female talent, it’s clear Evie will go on to achieve incredible things – whether on the field, or even in front of a camera.
RugbyWA would like to thank Evie, and her mum, Amelia, for all their contributions to the creation of RugbyWA’s Junior Journalist content at the British & Irish Lions.
