V/Line Cup returning to Ballarat

AFL Victoria has named Ballarat as the host city of the V/Line Cup in September.

The annual under-15 boys and girls representative football carnival, and AFL talent pathway, will be held locally for the second year in a row.

More than 600 players, officials and family members are expected to be in Ballarat for the competition from Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 September.

Games will be played at venues including Mars Stadium, Marty Busch Reserve and City Oval.

“The V/Line Cup is a highlight of the AFL Victoria calendar – an historic and important event for many of the best young footballers from regional Victoria,” AFL Victoria head Greg Madigan said.

“After the success of the 2024 carnival, we are thrilled to announce Ballarat as the hosts for another year.

“Ballarat is a place with such rich football history, wonderful facilities and a thriving community, and will ensure another fantastic experience for the more than 600 participants, officials and umpires involved.

“I thank and congratulate the City of Ballarat for hosting the V/Line Cup for a second year and extend my appreciation to V/Line for the ongoing and long-standing support of country footy in Victoria for more than 20 years.”

Last year’s successful carnival saw regional Victorian teams the Bendigo Pioneers, Gippsland Power, Goulburn Murray Bushrangers, North East Border Bushrangers, Greater Western Victoria Rebels, South East Stingrays, and the Barwon Cats compete over 21 matches at Mars Stadium, Marty Busch Reserve, and Learmonth Oval.

“We are pleased to welcome the V/Line Cup back to Ballarat for what promises to be another brilliant spectacle of regional Victoria’s best young footballers,” City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said.

“Having hosted the event for the first time last year, we look forward to showcasing our magnificent sporting facilities once again.

“We have a rich sporting history in Ballarat and events like this further build on our reputation as a sports events destination.”

V/Line acting CEO Warwick Horsley said the regional transport organisation is proud to back the next generation of rising Aussie Rules stars.

“Last year’s V/Line Cup in Ballarat was a fantastic event and we’re delighted to support the V/Line Cup returning to this regional city for the second consecutive year,” he said.