In search of SA’s little legends: Share a proud parent moment for the chance to win $100

Help us celebrate the best of kids and sport by sharing a proud parent moment.

Sport and radio personalities Mark Soderstrom and Erin Phillips joined with basketball legend Rachael Sporn and St Andrew’s School students Max Norman, Lucy Leyden and Helena Huebl, to celebrate the joy that is kids and sport. Picture: Kelly Barnes

South Australia’s sporting favourites are embracing a new campaign aimed at celebrating all that is good about children’s sport, no matter how frosty – or stinking hot – it is on the sidelines.

It is about seeing the joy on the young faces as they run out ahead of the first whistle, watching the camaraderie between teammates and hearing the happy banter of kids being outside. It is cheering on displays of good sportsmanship and celebrating the passionate mum and dad coaches. Never has junior sport been more important then now, on the back of COVID-19, as South Australians seek to return to normality and embrace a sense of community.

Adelaide sporting personalities – and parents – Rachael Sporn, Erin Phillips and Mark Soderstrom said the benefits to kids playing sport extended far beyond the game or competition itself.

“Not that kids realise it at the time, but sport teaches you about so many life skills,” said Sporn, a three-time Olympian and former Australian basketball player.

Adelaide Crows AFLW star Phillips added: “Sport brings people, especially kids, together. It teaches you resilience, teaches you about wining and losing, it teaches you to be a part of a team, it grows your confidence, especially for your girls.”

Soderstrom, a Channel 7 sports presenter and breakfast host on Mix 102.3, a gig he shares with Phillips, pointed to the friendships formed. “A lot of my best mates are ones I played footy and cricket with when I was 7, 8, 9 and 10 – that, to me is the best part,” he said.

Today, the Sunday Mail, with the generous support of the Fairmont Homes Group, launches a new campaign, Little Legends, to celebrate all aspects of children’s sport – team and individual.

And you can nominate your own Little Legend, from any sport, across the state.

Each week, the young finalists will appear in an online gallery, with the weekly winner receiving $100.

The goal is to capture junior sport’s milestone moments, for the child and the parents – a first goal, a spectacular mark or a personal best time.

But it is also about sharing the moments of determination and courage, as well as kindness and care. You will need to attach a photo – it can be an action shot, or taken before or after a game or competition.