Following the success of the 2024 V/Line Cup, AFL Victoria is proud to announce that the City of Ballarat will once again host the talent pathway carnival in 2025.
The 76th edition of the V/Line Cup will return to the Central Highlands region, bringing together over 600 players, officials and their families to Ballarat for a three-day carnival from Monday 22 September to Wednesday 24 September.
The event is expected to again deliver significant economic benefits to the Ballarat community, attracting visitors from across Victoria and beyond.
Ballarat's top sporting venues including Mars Stadium, Marty Busch Reserve and City Oval will host the matches providing a high-quality stage to showcase the football talent of these rising stars.
AFL Victoria looks forward to continuing its partnership with V/Line and the City of Ballarat to deliver another successful country football carnival.
AFL Victoria and V/Line last year announced a three-year extension to the partnership, continuing V/Line's support for country football into a third decade.
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said: "The V/Line Cup is a highlight of the AFL Victoria calendar - an historic and important event for many of the best young footballers from regional Victoria.
"After the success of the 2024 carnival, we are thrilled to announce Ballarat as the hosts for another year. Ballarat is a place with such rich football history, wonderful facilities and a thriving community, and will ensure another fantastic experience for the more than 600 participants, officials and umpires involved," Madigan said.
"I thank and congratulate the City of Ballarat for hosting the V/Line Cup for a second year and extend my appreciation to V/Line for the ongoing and long-standing support of country footy in Victoria for more than 20 years."
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said:
"We are pleased to welcome the V/Line Cup back to Ballarat for what promises to be another brilliant spectacle of regional Victoria's best young footballers," Cr Hargreaves said.
"Having hosted the event for the first time last year, we look forward to showcasing our magnificent sporting facilities once again.
"We have a rich sporting history in Ballarat and events like this further build on our reputation as a sports events destination."
V/Line Acting CEO Warwick Horsley said:
"V/Line is incredibly proud of our ongoing support for the V/Line Cup and seeing the next generation of rising stars showcase their skills," Mr Horsley said.
"Last year's V/Line Cup in Ballarat was a fantastic event and we're delighted to support the V/Line Cup returning to this regional city for the second consecutive year."
