Soccer fever hits Shepparton

By Caleb Francis

Aug 15, 2023

Community goals: Rotary Club of Shepparton’s Sev Cortese (far left) and St Mel’s Primary School principal Chris Summers with the raffle winners (front) and Melbourne Victory sport and business students (back). Photo by Rechelle Zammit

As the marvellous Matildas prepare to compete in the semi-final of the FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup, Shepparton is lacing up to embrace a soccer sensation.

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With balls, goals and dreams in tow, SEDA Group, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Shepparton and Melbourne Victory, is shooting for success in inspiring the next generation of local football stars.

Prize-winning moment: Sev Cortese with one of the raffle winners, Year 1 student Jaayneish Kumaran. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“I’ve been given the opportunity on behalf of our club to donate some money to the SEDA group so that they can organise some equipment to make it easier for your kids to get involved in soccer,” Rotary Club of Shepparton president Sev Cortese said.

“Growing up, one of the best things in life is to be involved in sports so that you’ve got something to do outside your school.

“It’s a thrill to donate the $500 to SEDA. Thank you for the opportunity to be here, and I look forward to the success of you all (the students) in the future.”

Words of wisdom: St Mel’s Primary School principal Chris Summers talking to the students. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The donation was met with appreciation from St Mel’s Primary School principal Chris Summers, who reflected on the broader impact of the gesture.

“How lucky are we to have these opportunities?” Mr Summers said.

“This equipment will go a long way to help us at school here and enjoy the games we get to play.”

Mr Summers also drew attention to the inspiring example set by Australian soccer team the Matildas.

“Look at the Matildas at the moment. They’ve become very successful,” he said.

“And they would’ve started just like you. Having a bit of a dream, a wish and a goal in life. Next thing you know, you could be playing for your country.”

Role model: Melbourne Victory sport and business student and St Mel’s Primary School past pupil Grace Read with Year 5 student Hayley Austen. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

One of the organisers of the initiative is St Mel’s past pupil and Melbourne Victory sport and business student Grace Read.

“We’ve come out to St Mel’s to run some clinics as well as at four other local schools,” Miss Read said.

“We’ve been running, shooting, dribbling and other activities throughout the day.

“And at the end of the day, we held a raffle, where the students received prizes ranging from a Melbourne Victory membership to soccer balls.

“We also provided the school with some equipment, and we’ve been able to do this with the help of the Rotary Club of Shepparton as well as Melbourne Victory, SEDA group and Nomad Quality Care.

“Our aim is to get regional Victoria into soccer.”