Off the Pitch Podcast: Shepparton Cup’s Incredible $5 Million Community Impact

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On Episode 15 of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast, it was a Shepparton Cup special with Australian Football Skool Director Rolando Navas and Mayor of Greater Shepparton Shane Sali on the eve of the 2025 Shepparton Cup.

On the topic of tourism and the economic impact of the event, the annual Shepparton Cup is the region’s most lucrative and popular event, amassing over 12,500 visitors and generating $3-4m in revenue in the 2024 edition of the cup.

Shane Sali discussed the importance of football and the cup in the Greater Shepparton region for tourism.

“We have a strong multicultural community and a lot of people have grown up playing football. People have migrated and really contributed to the sport over here and it’s a sport that’s been very active in an around Greater Shepparton,” he said.

“When you come to the event and get that warmth that we want to provide, not only to the people hosting the event, but the visitors , we hope you can leave with a smile at the end of it and encourage family and friends to come back.”

Sali continued to speak about the impact it has on local businesses and the great feeling of seeing the town’s buzz during the weekend.

“We like to position Greater Shepparton as a really prominent regional city and we feel like we’ve got a role to play in economic activity for surrounding communities.”

“As Rolando mentioned, with the visitation that comes with this event, you’re getting close to 15,000 people in and around the town. I can’t believe we have the facilities to cater for that,” he said.

“This is the biggest sporting weekend we have in and around Greater Shepparton and it will generate well over $5m for our local economy.”

This upcoming weekend, the 2025 Shepparton Cup is predicted to become the largest weekend junior football tournament in Australian history, and the sheer scale of the event will have a lasting impact on the local community.

Click hear the full Shepparton Cup special, on Episode 15 of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast – available on all major podcasting platforms.

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Bentleigh Greens Confirm Renewal of Sponsorship with Structural Challenge

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Image Credit: Bentleigh Greens

Bentleigh Greens have confirmed the renewal of their partnership with returning sponsor Structural Challenge for the 2026 season.

The Melbourne-based structural engineering firm has been a consistent and valued backer of the Greens for several years, providing steadfast support across both the men’s and women’s programs. 

The renewed agreement reinforces a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a strong commitment to community growth.

In announcing the partnership via a social media post, Bentleigh Greens expressed their appreciation for Structural Challenge’s ongoing support and belief in the club’s long-term vision.

“A long-time supporter of our club, Structural Challenge has stood by us for many years, helping to drive growth across our men’s and women’s programs,” the club said.

“Their expertise in structural engineering and commitment to quality has made them a trusted name in the industry — and a valued part of the Bentleigh Greens family.”

“We’re thrilled to continue this partnership as we build towards another exciting year on and off the pitch.”

Structural Challenge has established itself as a leading name in the structural engineering industry, recognised for its innovation, precision, and commitment to quality. 

The company has played a key role in numerous major projects across Victoria, earning a reputation for reliability, craftsmanship, and community engagement.

Its ongoing partnership with Bentleigh Greens highlights Structural Challenge’s continued investment in grassroots sport and its dedication to fostering growth in the local community. 

Through this collaboration, the company not only supports the club’s competitive ambitions but also contributes to the development of pathways for young players to thrive within the sport.

The renewed agreement will see the Structural Challenge brand featured prominently across the club’s facilities, matchday signage, and digital platforms throughout the 2026 campaign. 

The partnership will also include engagement initiatives that aim to bring fans, players, and sponsors closer together as part of the club’s broader community outreach efforts.

Bentleigh Greens’ continued partnership with Structural Challenge reflects the club’s strategy of aligning with organisations that share its passion for performance, integrity, and community spirit. 

With preparations already underway for another exciting campaign, the Greens are confident that the renewed partnership will play a vital role in the team’s ongoing success both on and off the field.

Wynnum Wolves Strengthen Ties with Christchurch United

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Image Credit: Wynnum Wolves

Wynnum Wolves FC has announced a new international football partnership with the Christchurch United Football Club in New Zealand.

The signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two clubs aims to advance football development for both players and staff at a technical and operational level.

Wynnum Wolves, who are part of NPL Queensland, are innovating the local game with this move that will hopefully help them attract talent from NZ but also develop their current players more effectively.

Wynnum Wolves FC Football Director, Richard Greer, spoke about how the partnership started after building a strong relationship with CUFC, following their visit to Brisbane earlier this year.

“We are both very like-minded clubs when it comes to player and coach development and now that the formal partnership is in place, we will be working together closely to build many exciting player and coach exchange opportunities between our two clubs,” he said.

Both the Wynnum and Christchurch clubs will participate in regular technical workshops to share knowledge and ideas to align and improve technical capabilities.

The collaboration will produce additional regular player and coach exchange opportunities, including residency placements and tournaments.

Christchurch United’s Head of Coaches & Methodology, Paul Holocher, expressed excitement at the idea of the two different countries helping build new opportunities for players and coaches alike.

“We’re delighted to partner with Wynnum Wolves FC, a club that shares our values, vision, and deep commitment to youth development and creating pathways for passionate footballers,” he said.

“This partnership forms an exciting bridge between New Zealand and Australia, enabling both clubs to exchange knowledge, align methodology, and build meaningful development opportunities for players and coaches across the Oceania region.”

The two clubs will build upon the existing relationships that Wynnum Wolves FC has with the Solomon Islands and Christchurch United has with Vanuatu, to further support the development of football in the Pacific.

Wynnum Wolves FC’s First team will travel to Christchurch in January 2026 for a four-day visit to play in two pre-season friendlies against Christchurch to launch the partnership.

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