This year, over 220 teams and more than 3,500 players will converge on Shepparton to display their football prowess.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the economic and community benefit it brings.
“Greater Shepparton has had the pleasure of hosting the Cup for a number of years, and we are fortunate to have it back after a couple of challenging years for our region,” he said.
“To receive the event once more allows us to continue the tradition of hosting high profile sporting events.
“Our local clubs are excited for the great opportunity to be involved with some of the key event operations, using this experience to invest back into their facilities and sporting groups.”
Cr Sali acknowledged the positive effect the event would have on the region’s visitor economy, with thousands of participants arriving in the city this weekend.
“Local businesses are looking forward to welcoming visitors, with these type of events being the perfect occasion to support local jobs whilst keeping the economy strong,” he said.
“We welcome all of the junior players, their families, friends and supporters to our region, and wish them all the best throughout the competition. We encourage attendees to visit the region’s new destination website, Shepp and GV, to discover everything they need to immerse themselves in the very best the region has to offer.”
The tournament will span two state-of-the-art venues, Shepparton Sports City and Mooroopna Reserve, with the Australian Football Skool (AFS) aiming to attract international teams in the future.
Historically, the Cup has been a launchpad for emerging talent, with stars like Garang Kuol and Ajdin Hrustic gracing its pitches. Despite past challenges including flooding and a global pandemic, the AFS remains committed to the Shepparton community and its football legacy.
Goulburn Valley Suns Coach, Craig Carley, praised the quality of the venues and the opportunities the Cup presents for local clubs and players.
“We’re very lucky at the Suns to call Shepparton Sports City home, and for the thousands of kids travelling to Shepparton for this tournament, this will be some of, if not the best, pitches they will have played on. They’re all like carpet and the facilities are outstanding,” he said.
Carley said the tournament also offered great opportunities for the Suns and their players.
“As a Club, we get to collaborate with the organisers and benefit from a canteen point of view, and help to put on what is always a wonderful event,” he said.
The event also celebrates key partnerships, notably with Greater Shepparton and McDonald's Shepparton and Mooroopna.
"The 2023 Cup's return to Shepparton symbolises resilience, community, and football's enduring spirit. We're excited to reignite dreams and celebrate the sport's essence,” AFS Director Rolando Navas said.
Event Details:
Date: 20-22 October 2023
Venues: Shepparton Sports City and Mooroopna Reserve
For AFS media inquiries, please contact:
Matthew Galea, AFS Media Representative
Email: matt@contenthype.com.au
Phone: 043807511
