Youth football carnival to kick off

HUNDREDS of Victoria’s best young footballers will converge on Ballarat next week as the city hosts the V/Line Cup for the first time.

The annual carnival draws 600 under-15 players from seven AFL Victoria country regions.

Split into three divisions – two boys divisions and a girls division – they will play a total of 21 matches over three days from Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 September.

Games will be played at Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol, Learmonth Reserve and Mars Stadium in Wendouree.

Each team will compete in two matches over the three days, with 70 emerging umpires from the V/Line Umpire Academy to officiate.

Squads have been selected for the Bendigo Pioneers, Geelong Falcons, Gippsland Power, Goulburn Murray Bushrangers, the local Greater Western Victoria Rebels, North East Border Bushrangers, and South East Stingrays.

Next week’s carnival will be the 75th anniversary event, and admissions to all matches will be free. All games will be live streamed on AFL Vic TV.

Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan said the V/Line Cup is the premier annual carnival for the best under-15 boys and girls footballers from across country Victoria.

“The V/Line Cup has a rich history dating back to 1949 and is an important part of the talent pathway system, which gives young players from country regions the opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of trying out for Coates Talent League lists in years to come,” he said.

“I would like to acknowledge V/Line’s ongoing support of country footy in Victoria and thank the City of Ballarat for hosting what will be a fantastic event in one of our state’s premier regional sporting locations.”

City of Ballarat mayor Des Hudson said the local government is proud of the sporting amenities they have.

“It is a credit to our staff for their dedication to maintain and develop wonderful ovals and facilities,” he said.