Shepparton has hosted Group G of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers after being selected as the only regional Victorian venue by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

SMA partnered with Football Australia and Greater Shepparton City Council to secure this event staged at the McEwen Reserve within Shepparton Sports City Precinct. Greater Shepparton Council committed the funding required to secure the event through SMA’s Event Placement Program.

This four-team Group featured host nation Australia, China PR, Cambodia and Northern Mariana Islands. The event not only featured Australia’s leading men’s youth footballers, but some of the brightest prospects in Asian football.

The Subway Joeys secured a 3-1 win over China to clinch top spot of Group G and with it, automatic qualification to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023™.

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said Football Australia was committed to bringing more global football content to communities outside of Australia’s major cities.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Shane Sali, said hosting the qualifiers was an incredible effort for the return of international events to the region through SMA.

The AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023™Qualifiers event in Shepparton was a beneficiary of funding from the Regional Sports Event Fund, supported by the Australian Sports Commission. SMA’s grant writing team assisted Council to apply for the funding.

Photo Credit – Australian Sports Commission: Australia’s U17 men’s youth team is better known as the “Joeys”.  In previous campaigns, the side has featured current Socceroos’ Milos Degenek, Joel King, Riley McGree and Kye Rowles.