Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to welcome back and support Australia’s largest junior weekend football tournament, the Australian Football Skool (AFS) Shepparton Cup, which returns to the region this week marking the nineteenth year of the Cup.
This year promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with matches taking place at Shepparton Sports City, Mooroopna Recreation Reserve and Rumbalara from Friday 23 October until Sunday 25 October 2026.
This year’s tournament will see competitors from around the country, as well as international competitors from New Zealand, with 382 teams competing throughout the weekend. Along with football matches, the Shepparton Cup will bring back its Food Truck Festival, held on the opening night of the tournament, Friday 23 October, starting at 6pm.
The event is expected to once again deliver significant benefits to the region, boosting local businesses, accommodation providers and visitor attractions, while showcasing Greater Shepparton’s outstanding sporting facilities and strong community spirit.
“We are thrilled to welcome players, officials, families and supporters from across Australia and New Zealand to our region for this outstanding soccer event,” Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers said.
“Major sporting events like this not only showcase our excellent facilities and vibrant community, but they also provide a significant boost to local businesses, accommodation providers and visitor attractions. We look forward to sharing our region with thousands of guests and creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
AFS Shepparton Cup Director Rolando Navas acknowledged the strong working relationship event organisers had with Council, saying they were excited to be back in the region once again.
“It’s a genuine pleasure working with Greater Shepparton City Council. They provide exceptional facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for teams coming not just from all around Australia, but also from New Zealand. Their dedication makes the Shepparton Cup a truly international celebration of junior football,” he said.
“This event has honestly become the highlight of the junior football calendar across the country. We have teams from across Australia and even from New Zealand joining us this year, making it the biggest weekend of junior football we’ve ever had with 382 teams competing. It’s an exciting and truly expansive event.”
“It’s also wonderful to see how the Shepparton Cup has grown into a generational tradition. With teams coming from all over the nation and New Zealand, we’re now seeing former players who started as kids returning as coaches, referees, or even bringing their own children to participate. It’s become a family legacy that spans generations, and that’s something really special to us.”
Cr Akers encouraged community members to support the event over the weekend and enjoy three days of nonstop junior football action.
“It’s going to be a great weekend of junior sport in the region, and I encourage residents to head along to Sports City, Mooroopna Recreation Reserve and Rumbalara to take in all the football action.
“The facilities are looking amazing thanks to the great work of Council’s Parks, Sport and Recreation team, so everything it set for a successful weekend of junior football. Greater Shepparton does sporting events better than anyone, so we are looking forward to another successful AFS Shepparton Cup.”
