The 2024 Boys & Girls FC Tournament, held at Harold Preston Reserve in Traralgon, Gippsland, on October 19-20, was a resounding success, building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural event.
With an increase in teams and a vibrant festival atmosphere, the tournament has solidified its place as one of the standout events on the Victorian football calendar.
2024 Boys & Girls FC Gippsland Photo Album
Football Victoria (FV), in collaboration with Latrobe City Council, brought together young players, coaches, and families for a weekend of thrilling football action and community spirit. The tournament saw U9 to U17 boys' and girls' teams competing in fast-paced, dynamic 7v7 and 9v9 formats, ensuring that all players had ample opportunity to showcase their skills and passion for the game.
Steven Piasente, CEO of Latrobe City Council, praised the event’s growing significance within the community.
“Boys & Girls FC has become one of the biggest community events on the Victorian football calendar in recent years and we saw an increased number of teams participate this year,” Cr Piasente said.
“These events bring not only football excellence but also contribute to our local economy, allowing visitors to explore all that Latrobe City has to offer.”
As the event concluded, Alex Dore, Boys & Girls FC Event Manager, reflected on the impact of the weekend.
“The Boys & Girls FC Gippsland competition was a fantastic success! It was incredible to see so many young players showcasing their skills and enjoying the spirit of football,” Alex said. “Events like this highlight the passion and talent within our footballing community."
Jackson Landy, FV's Regional Coordinator, echoed his colleagues' sentiments.
“It was great to see the collaboration between Latrobe City Council, Football Victoria, and local clubs to showcase what Gippsland has to offer and provide quality football opportunities for all participants,” Landy said.
The competition also recognised the champions across all age groups, with the following teams taking home top honours:
- U9 Boys: The Blue Ducks
- U10 Boys: PSC Boys 10
- U11/12 Boys: Gippsland United FC
- U13 Boys: Yarra Jets FC
- U13/14 Girls: Jogo Bonito
- U14/15 Boys: Dandenong City SC
- U15-17 Girls: GSL Under 17 Girls
- U16/17 Boys: SFC
The tournament’s family-friendly atmosphere was a hit with both players and spectators. Parents and coaches praised the smooth organisation and the opportunity for their young athletes to compete in a well-run event.
One parent remarked, “It was well organised and the teams were a good standard. Played in good spirit,” while another added, “The canteen had healthy food options – thank you!”
Coaches were also quick to highlight the quality of the tournament, with one saying, “My team really enjoyed the weekend! Thank you,” while another praised the event’s punctuality and communication, noting, “Games were all on time, referees were fantastic, and communication was great.”
With the tournament now a key fixture on the football calendar, Latrobe City Council looks forward to even bigger and better events in the future.
“As this event continues to grow in popularity, we look forward to the redevelopment of the Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park as our regional soccer centre of excellence, with works due to commence in 2025,” Steven Piasente noted.
“This will provide the opportunity for events like the Boys & Girls FC tournament to grow even further.”
Congratulations to all the participants, coaches, and families who made the 2024 Boys & Girls FC tournament such a memorable and successful event. We look forward to seeing even more talent on display next year!