On Tuesday, Football Victoria confirmed a takeover of regional associations, with the state body set to assume governance under a new structure.
Seven regional associations throughout Victoria, including Shepparton, will transition into an FV-led model following the 2023-2024 Regional Football Review.
It signals a major change for all junior and senior players in the Greater Shepparton area.
With the introduction of FV Shepparton, Shepparton Junior Soccer Association will transition to an independent schools-based competition, as an alternative for club-based juniors has yet to be unveiled.
Meanwhile, FV Greater Bendigo will replace the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League, bringing the association’s 55-year run to a close when the official transition commences in January.
With four of the region’s clubs - Shepparton Soccer Club, Shepparton South, Shepparton United and Tatura - fielding men’s, women’s and youth sides in the BASL since 2017, a plan for the future of senior football in the area is still to be hammered out.
It’s understood that a meeting is taking place this week between club stakeholders in Shepparton and Bendigo to define this, with more details to come.
As the transition comes with change aplenty, FV has established a dedicated Regional Football Team led by regional development manager Lauren Stevens, who celebrated the significant milestone in Victorian football history.
“This is an incredibly exciting step for football in regional Victoria,” she said.
“By bringing these regions together under one structure, we’re creating a stronger, more connected football community.
“Our focus is on supporting clubs, improving the experience for players and volunteers and ensuring regional voices are heard at every level of the game.”
FV chief executive Dan Birrell echoed Stevens’ sentiment while also paying tribute to the long-standing contribution of regional communities.
“Our regions have always played a wonderful and defining role in shaping football in Victoria,” he said.
“We are excited to honour that legacy while working side-by-side to build the next chapter - one that strengthens connections and creates a more unified and sustainable future for football across the state.”
In other round ball news, FV has announced there will be regional representation at the 2026 Emerging Socceroos Championships, spelling good news for local young guns looking to put their name under a national spotlight.
Goulburn Valley Suns will serve as a regional hosting hub, with dates to be confirmed.
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