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Shepparton To Host Young Socceroos And AFC Qualifiers

29 August 2017

The Andrews Labor Government has helped Shepparton secure the right to host qualifying matches for the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 Championship later this year, featuring our Young Socceroos.

Minister for Sport John Eren joined Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp and Young Socceroos Head Coach Ufuk Talay at the Greater Shepparton Community Football Complex today to announce the major sporting coup.

The success of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup exceeded all expectations with booming crowds cheering on our Socceroos as they claimed the title.

The AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers in November give the Young Socceroos a chance to follow in the footsteps of their senior counterparts.

They’ll be going head-to-head with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Northern Mariana Islands and Hong Kong over five days.

The winner of Group J will continue on to the AFC U-19 Championship finals in Indonesia in 2018.

With more than 160 competitors and officials, the tournament will showcase the best of the best in AFC youth football in the heart of Shepparton.

The Labor Government secured the international tournament for Shepparton thanks to funding from the Regional Events Fund and Significant Sporting Events Program.

The $20 million Regional Events Fund is helping rural and regional communities like Shepparton stage the events that attract visitors in their thousands.

The 2014-2018 Significant Sporting Events Program has already provided $5 million to deliver more than 250 big sporting events right across Victoria – with more than half of these held in our regions.

Matches will be held from 4-8 November 2017 at the new Community Football Complex at McEwen Reserve in Shepparton.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren

“We’re giving the next generation of Socceroos their chance to shine on the world stage right here in Shepparton.”

“Securing this world class football means serious business for Shepparton – attracting visitors, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp

“This tournament is a great opportunity to showcase the best of the best in Shepparton – inspiring our kids and encouraging more locals to play the game they love.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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