After a successful gala in Morwell last weekend, we are gearing up for our second regional gala round of the Victorian Champions League season, with over 750 of Victoria’s best junior footballers to converge on Shepparton this weekend.

A host of local players will be in action for Rivers FC, a team made up of the best junior players from the wider Goulburn North East region.

The event is being hosted by Football Federation Victoria in conjunction with the Greater Shepparton City Council, with matches to be held at the Shepparton Sporting Precinct based at McEwen Reserve.

For travelling teams, VCL gala rounds give players a taste of what it’s like to be a professional on the road while also encouraging team bonding.

Football Federation Victoria CEO Mark Rendell said that gala weekends are an important development tool for young footballers.

“The Victorian Champions League and in particular the gala weekends provide a huge boost to players aiming to make a career out of football,” said Mr Rendell.

“The simple action of playing multiple matches in one weekend gives players the chance to listen to coaches, receive feedback and put it into practice straight away.”
This will be the fifth VCL gala round to be held in Shepparton in five years and Mr Rendell is happy that the competition is returning.

“The Shepparton gala round is one of the major highlights on the VCL calendar. Every year the Shepparton gala is a huge success and I can’t wait to see the football on show this time around,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to head down and get a glimpse at Victoria’s next potential Socceroos and Matildas.”
Greater Shepparton City Council CEO Gavin Cator said McEwen Reserve was a fitting venue for such a great event.

“Greater Shepparton is excited to host this event and showcase some of the best young football players in the state as well as the first class facilities we have at the Shepparton Sports Precinct,” said Mr Cator.

“Greater Shepparton’s Football Strategy aims to strengthen Council’s reputation as a football events destination and hosting this gala weekend only adds to the already many successful events which have been held at the Shepparton Sports Precinct.

“Council has committed to spend $1.1 million in this financial year on upgrading the facilities at McEwen Reserve which shows our ongoing commitment to providing high quality football facilities in the community.”

As well as Rivers FC, Loddon Mallee Lightning, Central City, Western Wolves, Eastern FC and Southern Cross Strikers will be in action.