Shepparton United's Under-14s side has lifted another trophy as the team's rise continues.
Shepparton United SC coach Jimmy Avram has paid tribute to his Under-14s fledglings after their heroics at the Victorian Club State Championships as they lifted the trophy in dramatic circumstances.
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The future looks bright at John McEwen Reserve after the Blues boys claimed yet another title during what has been a spectacular year, which has also seen them claim the spoils at the Chelsea Cup and the Macca’s City Cup previously.
Organised by Football Victoria, this latest competition saw 173 teams from 68 clubs from Under-9s through to Under-17s take part across a bumper four days at La Trobe University Sports Precinct.
Pitting their wits against Melbourne clubs boasting extensive resources and a wider pool of players, the Goulburn Valley Under-14s side very much punched above its weight during its glorious run in the state capital.
Emerging from a round-robin group that involved state capital clubs Berwick City, Northcote City and Caroline Springs George Cross, they embarked on a memorable foray into the knockout stages to earn a place in the grand final.
En route to the showpiece against group stage opponents George Cross, they dispatched Beaumaris and Pascoe Vale as they successfully flew the flag for country soccer in a competition dominated by metropolitan sides.
“We made a really good start against Beaumaris, managing to win that game 3-0,” Avram said.
“Facing Pascoe Vale in the semis, I gave the boys a bit of a pep talk and told them ‘this would be huge for a country team’.
Shepparton United's young starlets lift yet another trophy down at the Victorian Club State Championships.
“It was an accomplishment just to get to the semis, that was one thing - the boys had already done so well, winning three tournaments (in 2026).
“But I told them ‘let’s put Shepparton United on the map, we can do something special here’.
“They all got together and gelled really well, we basically stayed a goal down after we conceded late in the first half and both teams stayed neck-and-neck but we were lucky enough to get a break with a minute to go.
“We equalised with 30 seconds left and forced a penalty shootout, which we were able to win - so it was a fantastic end to that game and the kids were on a high.”
In the final against George Cross, the boys managed to emerge victorious in a 3-2 thriller.
“We held the lead right through, before we managed to get the winner with about five minutes to go,” Avram said.
“I was super proud of the kids and what they did, it’s probably the biggest achievement of my coaching career.
“For the kids to create history as the first winners of this tournament is a big achievement, especially for a country-based team with the majority of players being under-13s playing at under-14 level.”
For coach Avram, his team’s achievements are a source of considerable pride, not least as he continues to effectively level the playing field for budding Shepparton soccer players.
Celebratory scenes among the Blues players during their glorious run at the tournament.
“It’s huge not only for Shepparton but the soccer club in general as we’ve placed a lot of emphasis on our juniors,” he reflected.
Next up, Avram will lead his all-conquering side into the Griffith Tournament in August, as he looks to provide even more opportunities for youngsters to play the beautiful game in an affordable and supportive environment.
“I set out a goal last year to give these kids the biggest opportunity possible to match it with Melbourne teams and it’s rewarding and comforting to know they are executing what we set out to do at the end of last year.
“Every tournament we play, we’re getting a lot of compliments from Football Victoria officials, so I think everyone’s starting to know who we are.
“I saw potential in these kids at our trials at the end of last year and so it gives them the chance to still play local soccer, play these tournaments with the same sort of exposure at metropolitan kids.
“These tournaments are massive for these kids, it really lets them put their talent out there.”
