The 22 students from year seven to 11 have been part of a 10-week program involving weekly workshops that have used footy as a platform to develop confidence, self-worth, teamwork, and create a sense of belonging.

A discussion about the Strong is the New Pretty campaign, an hour-long football skills clinic and game with Hope, followed by a lunch in the North Ballarat Sports Club Bistro, was the culmination of the program.

“Kids are the future and every kid here is different,” Hope said.

“I see a lot of myself in these girls. I can see the benefits of this program from listening to them and seeing how they can trust each other.”

Hope reminded the girls of some of the main values of the program – to stay true to themselves and not feel like they have to change to be accepted.

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“It’s ok to be different – I’m different and I will never change who I am so people need to accept me for me. It doesn’t bother me if I’m not accepted,” she said.

“Stay true to you. You don’t have to change to fit in.”

Year seven students Chantelle and Liv admitted to being star-struck to meet their idol and play on the stadium.

“Knowing what she’s been through and how strong she’s come out is inspiring. You know how she took it on board and makes me realise I can do it,” Liv said. “Girls are unique. We can be who we want to be.”

Chantelle saw similarities in Hope’s story and hers, enduring tough times in a large family, and knowing things can get better.

The Play On | Empower program was created to celebrate girls’ strengths and empower them to become leaders.

Preventative health messages were built in to the program, as was giving them the tools to develop their voice and ideas and to see they are important.

Hope’s visit came a day after she was named as a competitor on the new Survivor Australia: Champions versus Contenders.