North Melbourne star Moana Hope offers some support to a young footy fan as part of the Special K Strong Play campaign

When Kensley Ward penned a heartfelt letter to her sporting idol she never imagined her reply would be made in person.

When Kensley Ward penned a heartfelt letter to her sporting idol she never imagined her reply would be made in person. North Melbourne recruit Moana Hope surprised the 13-year-old with an impromptu lesson in how to ignore your critics and dream big.

The pair enjoyed a training session as part of the Kellogg’s Special K Strong Play campaign aimed at encouraging the next generation of AFLW players to find the strength to express themselves.

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In a heartfelt letter, Kensley said Hope was her inspiration when times were tough.

“I’ve had many thoughts about quitting because I used to play with the boys and they used to say things about me,” she wrote.

Kensley Ward’s letter to Moana Hope.

A high school student Kensley Ward 13, was afforded the opportunity to meet and train with her AFLW idol, Moana Hope, after she penned the star North Melbourne full-forward a heartfelt letter expressing her dream to one day be an AFLW player. Copy of the letter Kensley wrote to Moana. Picture: David Caird

“I’ve learned by watching my idols … to never give up and believe in yourself when I’m down.”

The teenager was inundated with messages of support after Hope posted the letter on social media.

The AFLW star said the letter reminded her of what it was like when she was younger.

“It reminded me of myself as a young girl,” Hope told her.

“Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t or you don’t belong or you’re different. You just have to keep pushing through and stay strong.”