A crew of young Bega and Eden girls is tackling one of the state's largest and most empowering Indigenous sporting and cultural tournaments this week.
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The PCYC Nations of Origin event has been held for the past six years - however, this is the first time the "Yuin Ducks" will be competing.
The inclusion of Yuin South (PCYC Far South Coast) adds to the huge success the PCYC said it is having with the multi-faceted sport, cultural, education and leadership program.
The 2018 tournament saw more than 1100 Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people from across NSW participating - Yuin North (PCYC Shoalhaven) was runner-up in the rugby league sevens.
It's expected this year will again see more than 1000 young people take part, with boys and girls representing 21 Aboriginal Nations in netball, basketball, rugby league and futsal tournaments.
The teams are also supported by hundreds of volunteers in the lead up and during the event in the capacity of supervisors, managers, coaches and trainers.
Far South Coast youth case manager Senior Constable Sarah Bancroft said the Nations of Origin gives the girls from Bega and Eden an amazing opportunity to represent their nation with pride.
"It helps develop their self esteem, communication and teamwork skills, builds character, respectful relationships and helps them see achievement from commitment," Senior Constable Bancroft said.
"It also encourages school attendance, with an 80 per cent attendance rate required by participants, and helps build positive relationships with the police and other community organisations."
Senior Constable Bancroft said the Yuin Ducks are supported by Katungul Aboriginal Medical Service and Campbell Page.
The league sevens are being played this Tuesday and Wednesday, July 16-17, in Raymond Terrace. The round-robin format will follow NSW Rugby League tournament rules and involves 34 girl teams and 37 boy teams each playing between four and six games each day.
The Yuin Ducks are Mya Green-Aldridge, Karolina Gauniqio, Macey Canavan, Makahla Douglas, Susan Kennedy, Merinda Kennedy, Eliza O'Dell, Tarra Glover, Shakira Smith, Jess Howarth, Calissa Badullovich and Merindah Ladmore.
The squad features a handful of Far South Coast Falcons taking a temporary step away from rugby union before their local rugby sevens comp gets underway from September.
Yuin South's contingent at Nations of Origin also includes an under 16s boys team made up from Eurobodalla-based players.