The Gold Coast Blaze received a rousing welcome from over 700 young fans at St. Vincent’s primary school on Wednesday.

The event marked a major beginning for the “So You Think You Can Play?” program, which will see the Blaze play matches at dozens of local schools over the coming months.

The program involves the entire Blaze squad of players and coaches visiting a local area school and playing a game against a team of lucky students from that school, all while being cheered on by the Blaze’s very own courtside announcer, DJ Tallie.

It certainly makes for an awesome sight as the entire school gets to watch their lucky classmates hit the court against their Blaze heroes.

Allegiances were clearly torn at St Vincent’s, however, as the students’ chants of ‘Go Blaze!’ echoed around the stadium.

In the end the score was a lot closer than many had imagined, with the Blaze managing to secure a 1-point victory over St. Vincent’s thanks to a final second slam dunk by Anthony Petrie.

Blaze Captain James Harvey commented that they were ecstatic with the support they received at the school.

“We were so happy with the turnout, we really couldn’t have asked for a better reception,” said Harvey.

“They gave us a lot more than we bargained for, luckily Peach had a bit of a size advantage so we got over the line in the end”.

After the game the youngsters lined up to have their Blaze team posters autographed with a chance to meet their favourite Blaze players.

Blaze Marketing Director Kyle Willebrands said the inaugural So You Think You Can Play? promotion was a huge success and would be replicated all over the Gold Coast during the coming season.

“We expect to be visiting over at least one primary school each week with the program this season alone,” said Willebrands.

“It has received a very enthusiastic response from both teachers and students and any schools wishing to be a part should contact the Blaze office quickly to ensure availability”.

The event was covered by NBN News, and the segment can be seen on their website at http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2010/09/01/gold-coast-blaze-hit-the-school-court/ .

For further information or for school bookings, contact Kyle Willebrands at kyle@blazegc.com.au or 5527 5427.