More than 2000 young footballers, parents, volunteers and supporters descended on Shepparton last weekend to kick off the Victorian Champions League Championship Series.
The warm weather threatened to disrupt the weekend’s proceedings, but with preventative measures in place to combat the heat, and with the cooperation of all Zones, the Championship Series was able to proceed without a hitch.
The first round of finals brought all Zones together in what was a wonderful carnival-like atmosphere, and it also gave all the Zones a chance to size up their competition.
Fixtures were brought forward, matches shortened and regular drinks breaks were taken to ensure all games could go ahead over the weekend.
Football Federation Victoria Summer Business Development Manager, Georgie Herbert, said the atmosphere in Shepparton over the weekend was wonderful.
“There’s such a vibrant atmosphere here, it’s great to see that the warm weather hasn’t deterred the enthusiasm of the players and supporters,” Herbert said.
“They’re all doing all the right things they need to do make sure they’re hydrated, and everything’s running quite smoothly.”
Football Federation Victoria CEO, Mark Rendell, said the event was fantastic for regional Victoria.
“It’s wonderful for the Shepparton community and great for football in regional Victoria.”
Talent identification was a key focus for the state selectors who were attending matches over the weekend.
FFV’s Technical Director, Les Bee, said he was pleased with the level of football on display.
“The state selectors have been keeping a close eye on all the matches all weekend, and they certainly have been happy with what they’re seeing,” Bee said.
Zones competed in ‘pool’ matches based on their ladder positions at the conclusion of the home and away series.
To view the ‘pool’ results, please click here.
The final weekend of the VCL Championship Series will be played this Saturday and Sunday at Epping and Thornbury, with the points earned from playing in Shepparton determining which teams will play in the following round of matches.
Those with the highest points (or goal difference if necessary) will progress through to play the other teams with the highest points, those with the middle ranking of the three teams after the pool games will play other teams ranked in the middle and those with the least points play the other sides with the lowest points. The final games will be played according to the results of these second round games, with all teams playing in either a Grand Final or a classification match on the final day.
Football Federation Victoria would like to thank the Greater Shepparton Council for assisting with organising the first weekend of the VCL Championship Series. FFV would also like to thank the local Clubs - Shepparton, Shepparton United, Numurkah - Zone volunteers, players and parents, and the people of Shepparton for supporting football in country Victoria.
Last updated: Monday February 1, 2010 9:36AM
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