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Some of the brightest young football talent from across Asia took to the field in Shepparton last week ahead of next year’s AFC Under-17 Asian Cup.

The regional Victorian city host the qualifying tournament with Australia taking on teams from Northern Mariana Islands, Cambodia and China.

The event has received support from the Australian Sports Commission’s Regional Sport Events Fund which has already distributed almost $2 million to 101 rural and regional councils. The fund was established to help boost the local economies in regional Australia and engage communities to reconnect through sport as following the impacts of COVID-19.

Councils estimate the events have attracted about 100,000 spectators and participants so far, with several more still to come.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Shane Sali said it was incredible to see Greater Shepparton as the only Australian city to host this international event, commenting “Greater Shepparton does sporting events better than anyone and the fact we were chosen to host the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers is evidence that we are perfectly placed to host the highest international events

“Our community has a proud football history and we pride ourselves on investing in world class facilities and we are very grateful for the Federal Government’s support via the Regional Sport Events Fund, which has allowed us to secure this prestigious event and to further promote our redeveloped Shepparton Sports City.

“This is a great coup for Greater Shepparton, landing another international event in our region, strengthening our position as regional Australia’s sporting and events capital.”

Australian U-17 Men’s National Team Head Coach, Brad Maloney, named the 23 Joeys players representing Australia in the Qualifiers earlier this week.

The final squad was selected following an intense two-week training camp in Melbourne, which featured three matches against Victorian NPL and A-League Men Youth Team opposition.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers is the first international activity for the Joeys’ program since 2019.

Australia secured top spot in in its group with three wins, guaranteeing a place at next year's AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023™ in Kuwait.

Image: The Australian Joeys under-17 football team in action against Northern Mariana Islands during last week's AFC Under-17 Asian Cup qualifying tournament in Shepparton. Credit: Football Australia.

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