With the grand final in just four days’ time, the Shepparton Nations Cup is growing ever more popular among locals while the remaining teams battle it out for the grand $5000 dollar prize.
Since its debut in 2024, The Shepparton Nation’s Cup has continued to exceed expectations and draw in crowds from across Victoria. This year, the ten nations battling for the trophy have received significant attention, with over 3000 followers on Instagram, 1500 on Facebook, and an estimated 400 attendees at every match.
The event’s creator, Abass Alnajar, who is only 24 years old and runs a full-time security business outside attending the daily 6-8pm matches, remains passionate about growing the tournament, with hopes to include more teams, better players and more community involved as the team of volunteers grows.
“Even from the very start, we were heavily backed by the community members and local businesses,” he said. Now the Cup has a total of 24 local sponsors and a major sponsor from Oporto, Australia, as well as each of the 10 teams being supported by their own local sponsor.
The teams consist of primarily local players, but Mr Alnajar says he welcomes the opportunity to gain players from across the country, as the Cup receives more and more attention. “Better soccer players, better turnout – and better turnout is always a better tournament,” says Mr Alnajar.
As the finals continue, with only a few countries left vying for entry into the Grand Final, Mr Alnajar’s predictions remain the same as last year – he’ll be keeping an eye on the Congolese, Nepali, Iraqi and Afghani teams.
“It’s getting down to the line; everybody wants to secure a spot”.
Turnout for the Grand Final this Sunday, January 25, is predicted to be well into the thousands.
