SOCCER
TRARALGON became the vibrant epicentre of soccer excitement as Football Victoria hosted the much-anticipated Boys & Girls FC junior football tournament recently. This two-day event was a celebration of youth soccer, bringing together 33 teams and more than 300 individual players for a weekend of spirited competition and camaraderie at Traralgon’s Harold Preston Reserve. The Boys & Girls FC tournament was not just a local affair; it drew participants from near and far, showcasing the growing popularity and participation of the sport. Teams travelled from various corners of Victoria, including Torquay, Laverton, and Mount Eliza. Local schools and clubs proudly represented the Latrobe Valley, demonstrating the strong connection between the community and the game. The event provided a platform for youngsters to showcase their skills, bond with teammates, and make new friends on the pitch. Regional Development Coordinator for Football Victoria, Jackson Landy, was impressed with success of the Boys & Girls FC tournament. “It was great to see such strong community buy-in to continue playing football in our traditional off-season The event’s success is a testament to the commitment of our players, parents, coaches and volunteers that keep our football community thriving,” he said. Football Victoria’s Social Football Manager, Alex Dore, was equally impressed with what Traralgon had to offer. The vibrant atmosphere, the passion of the players and fans, and the undeniable sense of community spirit left a lasting impression. Dore highlighted the importance of regularly bringing such events to regional Victoria to continue growing football. In addition to the thrilling matches, Football Victoria seized the opportunity to host a referee course before the Boys & Girls FC tournament. This tournament provided a valuable platform for aspiring referees to be coached and mentored by existing referees. It not only enriched the tournament experience but also contributed to the development of skilled and knowledgeable officials, reinforcing the commitment to the growth of soccer at all levels of the code. The Traralgon City Soccer Club and the Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club played a pivotal role in hosting and organising the event. Their commitment to the growth and development of soccer in the Latrobe Valley was evident in the smooth execution of the tournament. Football Victoria thanked Latrobe City Council for their valuable contribution and unwavering support in hosting the tournament. Their support was instrumental in making the event a reality and ensuring that the young soccer talents of the region had a platform to showcase their skills. RESULTS Under 16/17 Boys Winner: – GSL Representative Squad 2 U17, Play 1, Win 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 4. Runners Up: – TCSC U16, Play 1, Play 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 1. Under 13/14 Boys Winner: – LVSL U13, Play 1, Win 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 6 Runners Ups: – PSC U14, Play 1, Win 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 3 Under 11/12 Boys Winner: – SUFC Power U11, Play 1, Win 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 1 Runners Up: – Gippsland U12, Play 1, Win 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 1 Under 09/10 Boys Winner: – Rams U10, Play 1, Win 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 5 Runners Up: – Surf Coast U9, Play 1, Win 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 4 Under 12/14 Girls; Winner: – Gippsland United A, Play 1, Play 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 6 Runners Up: – Gippsland United B, Play 1, Play 1, Draw 0, Loss 0, Pnts 3, Diff 1.