Football is in the air. Footy finals season is here, but Greater Shepparton will be treated to a midweek smorgasbord of some of the state’s top junior talent.
The V/Line Cup will be held in Shepparton from Monday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 21 for boys’ and girls’ under-15s sides from across the state, with 600 participants and umpires swarming the city.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said he was a massive advocate for sport, and was stoked to see the event return.
“We’re proud to be supporting an event that encourages the development skills and talents for our young people,” he said.
“Participating in sport brings positive benefits to young people and helps improve their physical and mental health, and teaches them a number of important life skills.”
Cr Sali said hosting the event would bring Greater Shepparton “significant economic benefits”.
“They will spend time supporting our local businesses, helping fill our accommodation, but most importantly supporting our hospitality and retail sector and also visiting many of our tourism attractions across the region,” Cr Sali said.
The AFL Premiership Cup was on-hand to help launch the V/Line Cup.
AFL Goulburn Murray general manager Shaun Connell said it was “terrific” to see the V-Line cup back in Shepparton and thanked council and V/Line for their support.
“We hope the carnival is a massive success not only from a participation point of view, but also from an economic point of view,” he said.
V/Line executive director of network, assets and maintenance Jonathan McKeown said the train network had been associated with the cup since 2004 and was excited to be back in Shepparton.
“Shepparton puts on some amazing decks for us,” he said.
“We're very proud to be associated with regional Victoria and delivering such important economic stimulus in these regions, but equally supporting our young kids from regional Victoria and giving them a real opportunity to come together and develop their skills,” he said.