By Maddison Howell
THE Australian Football Skool (AFS) Shepparton Cup has wrapped up after a massive weekend of junior soccer, with more than 900 games played and a growing legacy bringing families, clubs and visitors together across the region.
The tournament, which has grown from humble beginnings around 20 years ago, once again showcased the depth of young football talent while highlighting Shepparton’s ability to host a major sporting event.
AFS managing director Ronaldo Navas said the weekend had been a tremendous success, with players of all abilities getting the chance to compete, develop and enjoy the game.
“This past weekend was great, we had over 900 games played and it was magnificent, there’s just so much talent around,” he said.
For Navas, the tournament’s significance extends beyond the results on the pitch, with creating opportunities for young people remaining at the heart of its mission.
“What inspires and drives a lot of our thinking is giving more opportunities for kids to play and do what they love,” he said.
The Shepparton Cup has also established itself as a potential stepping stone for aspiring footballers, with former participants going on to represent Australia and play professionally.
“For young players trying to build their careers this event is incredibly important, we’ve seen people that have gone on to play for the Socceroos and in other professional teams that once graced the Shepparton Cup,” Navas said.
However, he said the tournament’s greatest achievement may be the lasting connections it has built within the community.
“Beyond the kids playing, we’ve had people who now come back as parents watching their families interact with this event, it’s really becoming a generational community event,” he said.
With hundreds of matches taking place across the venue’s many fields, the competition also brings visiting families and teams into Shepparton, providing an opportunity to experience the region while supporting local businesses.
Navas credited the community’s continued backing and the hard work of organisers for the tournament’s growth.
“We’re incredibly lucky that we’ve had such great support from the community over the years, our team works very hard to make this event as great as it has become,” he said.
With further growth on the horizon, Navas said he was excited about what the future could hold for the competition.
“I can see this event continue to grow and become better and better, every year we add something new and it’s exciting to think about what could happen in the future,” he said.
The Shepparton Cup continues to underline the role community sport plays in bringing generations together and giving the region’s next generation of footballers a chance to shine.
