By Callan McDuff, Source: Page 20-21 Monday 11/06/13 (Geelong Advertiser)

GEELONG'S top junior footballers tested their skills against the best opposition regional Victoria has to offer at the Football Federation Victoria (FFV) Regional Challenge Cup in Shepparton.

The three-day tournamanet wrapped up yesterday with about 700 players taking part.

FFV Geelong's representative team, Greater Geelong Galaxy, finished fourth overall out of seven regional football associations.

The Under-15 boys were the stand-out team for Geelong, making their grand final, although they lost 4-0 to a very strong Albury Wodonga side.

Credit must also go to the Under-13 boys, who finished on top of their group but lost their semi-final.

FFV president Nick Monteleone said the Regional Challenge Cup was a fantastic showcase of the passion for football that thrives in regional Victoria and he expected this to continue with the introduction of the National Premier Leagues Victoria in 2014, which would provide a clear pathway for talented players.

"This weekend's tournament is a great advertisement and exhibition of what regional Victoria can put on the field. It's a credit to the players and the coaches," he said.

"If you look a the players regional Victoira has produced at a domestic and international level, you can see how well regional areas can foster talent".

"With the National Premier Leagues Victoria, we want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be involved regardless of location."

"The referess have done a stunning job over the weekend and credit must go to the coaches too as they help to shape the Socceroos and Matildas of tomorrow."

For full results visit footballfedvic.com.au

The Cup includes boys and girls aged from 11 to 15 and is hosted by the FFV with support from the Greater Shepparton City Council and the Country Leagues Football Association.