Four junior representative teams from Deniliquin District Soccer Club participated in the Shepparton Cup on the weekend of October 25 and 26.
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As Victoria's largest junior soccer tournament, it attracts close to 4000 participants annually.
DDSC sent four teams to the tournament: Under-9 and under-11 boys, under-10/11 in girls and an under-13 mixed side.
The mixed team achieved second place in the Plate playoffs, marking the first award in the club's history at this tournament.
Player development officer and coach Diego Sztejman praised the young players' performances over the weekend.
He said every team demonstrated considerable effort, teamwork and pride representing DDSC colours in what proved to be a weekend of football, learning and friendship.
Parents provided significant commitment through their time, energy and encouragement to support their children's soccer development.
DDSC president Jo Burn expressed the club's pride in all players' achievements.
''Families were stoic in their support of their children, battling to stay dry in the wild weather,“ she said.
“The way they pulled together and put the players first was so touching – it would have been so tempting to just go home – so the club would like to thank them all.
''The committee would also like to extend a huge thank you to the organisers of the Shepparton Cup. We are proud to send athletes to such a prestigious event.“
The club acknowledged coaches and team managers who volunteered their time and energy to ensure children had a successful tournament experience.
As Deniliquin's largest junior sporting club, DDSC continues to expand and improve its programs. The organisation looks forward to the 2026 season and further representative opportunities for talented players.
Families in the region interested in participating in soccer can follow the club on Facebook or contact them directly via denijuniorsoccer@gmail.com.
This year marked DDSC's third consecutive year attending the Shepparton Cup, with improved final standings each year demonstrating the club's development.
Match reports from the tournament are as follows.
Under-9 boys:
This amazing bunch of stars progressed the furthest of the four teams, making the semi-final game for the cup.
Sadly, they were knocked out in a penalty shoot out, following a 0-0 draw.
Every game, each player stepped up and gave their all. When they found themselves down on the scoreboard, they found a way to lift and level the game or pull forward.
It was such an incredible effort from our little club, taking on the giant teams in Melbourne and showing them the fight and spirit our country boys have.
Under-11 boys:
Most of the players on this team had only played together for eight weeks before the competition, and for some it was their first experience playing in the Shepp Cup.
The players fought hard and put on a determined performance that they didn’t stop until the very end.
As much as they wanted to progress to the finals, it was a valiant performance from the team both in defending and attacking, with some brilliant individual performances.
Under-13s mixed:
What an incredible weekend for our mixed team.
Day one presented a fantastic challenge as we faced two strong teams from Melbourne, and an academy side from New Zealand.
From the first whistle, our players showed outstanding fighting spirit and grit, competing fiercely in every match.
The team finished the day with two hard-fought draws (0-0 and 1-1) and a narrow 2–1 loss, setting the tone for a determined comeback on day two.
Heading into the knockout stage for the Shepparton Plate, the players knew they had to give everything - and they did just that.
The first match saw a brilliant 2-0 victory, followed by a tense 1-1 draw in the semi final that went to penalties.
Goalkeeper Red Ricon made a crucial save to send DDSC into the final — a proud moment for everyone involved.
The final match was a nail-biting battle, once again ending in penalties, but this time luck wasn’t on our side.
Still, walking away as runners-up for the Plate, and earning our club’s first-ever medal at the Shepparton Cup, is an achievement that fills us all with pride.
Special mentions to top goalscorer Enzo Sztejman who was most valuable player, and Jordyn Brain wh was players’ choice.
Under-10/11 girls:
It was a successful Shepp Cup for the girls, who recording their first ever win.
Beautifully lead by Amelia Thompson who slotted in the first goal to draw the first game.
The girls then shocked a highly skilled Melbourne team, their coach and team helpers, with an amazing 2-0 victory. Amelia and Havana Sztejman each scored a goal.
Everything turned to defence for the rest of the weekend, with Meg Loughridge outstanding in goals on Saturday and Sophia Borbon on Sunday.
There was a great team feel all weekend, and they continued to surprise the opposition with the joy and determination taken onto the pitch.