THE competition that talented, under 15-year-old footballers’ thirst for is back.
Drawing over 620 players from across seven regions in the state, the AFL V/Line Cup will return to Greater Shepparton for three days of premiere competition from Monday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 21.
For 73 years, the Cup has provided a pivotal opportunity and steppingstone for hundreds of players to go onto AFL and AFLW competition. Since 2004, V/Line has provided principal support for the tournament and has had the enthusiastic backing of the Greater Shepparton City Council.
Speaking at the AFL V/Line Cup launch announcement at the Shepparton train station on Wednesday, September 14, Greater Shepparton City mayor, Cr Shane Sali said,
“We are proud to support an event that encourages the development and skills of our talented young people. This event is a pathway to higher levels, it is a step closer to achieving an AFL or AFLW dream.”
Echoing the mayor’s sentiment, AFL Goulburn Murray regional general manager, Shaun Connell said,
“The V/Line Cup plays an important role in providing opportunities for the emerging under-15 male and female talent across regional Victoria not only on a participation point of view but also from an umpiring point of view. So, it covers all gamits in relation to junior football.”
With the enormous influx of players and visitors that the V/Line Cup will bring to Greater Shepparton, the economic flow on effect for regional businesses, particularly for hospitality and retail, will be substantial, as Cr Sali said,
“In Shepparton we do sport better than anyone else and this carnival is exceptional. We heard that it’s going to contribute $2M to our local economy, which is vitally important. It will support our hospitality sector, retail sector and our accommodation providers as well.”
