The third annual South Coast Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Cup was held last Thursday with Shoalhaven High School taking out the boys’ competition and Ulladulla High School claiming the girls’ title.

Held at the Bomaderry Sporting Complex, the event aims to educate and empower young people to take a stand against domestic and family violence - all while enjoying a day of rugby league.

The tournament brought together the South Coast Police District, Group 7 Rugby League, NSW Rugby League, the NRL and more than 200 students from Years 9 to 11 across the Shoalhaven.

“Today was the brainchild of some of our really good people who wanted to partner with rugby league to tackle the rise in family and domestic violence - by bringing young people on that journey with us,” said South Coast Police District Commander Superintendent Darren Brand.

“I’m really proud. It’s a fantastic event, now in its third year, and we’ve welcomed an additional school this year, bringing the total to six. It’s really starting to grow - and it’s about much more than just footy."

In the lead-up to the Gala Day, South Coast police officers visited participating schools to educate students on key issues such as respect, healthy relationships, and how to seek help if they or someone they know is experiencing domestic or family violence.

(From left) Darren Brand with Emma Wood and Ashton Sims.

Shoalhaven-based government and community organisations were also on hand at the event, providing information and support to students and families about available services aimed at breaking the cycle of violence.

“All the information stands are designed to be engaging for the kids. It’s about raising awareness - which leads to empowerment. And with empowerment comes choices.

"When young people know their options, they’re more likely to reach out for help when they need it,” said Emma Wood from South Coast and Country Community Law.

“This event works because the kids are involved, they’re having fun, and that’s the best way for them to connect with services and take in important information."

To ensure students actively engaged with the support services, Group 7 South Coast Rugby League football operations manager Ashton Sims revealed that the match draw was deliberately structured.

“There’s always a school that’s scheduled to rotate through the service areas.

"They speak with police at the police van, take part in discussions, and collect some form of educational resource,” said Sims.

“Today isn’t just about rugby league - we’re using the game as a platform to deliver domestic violence prevention messages and help shape a safer future.”

Dylan McFadden warming up before a game.

Services used interactive tools to connect with students, including educational games like the red flag/green flag activity that Ulladulla High School student Dylan McFadden participated in.

“At these stalls, they actually explain things in more detail than we usually get in school.

"The way they keep us interested really works. At one of the stands, they played a game where you raise a red or green flag depending on whether a sentence they say is a warning sign or a healthy behaviour,” McFadden said.

The six local high schools taking part include Nowra, Vincentia, Shoalhaven, Bomaderry, Ulladulla, and St John the Evangelist Catholic High Schools - and organisers are hopeful this number will only grow in years to come.