What a weekend for football in Geelong.
Over the King’s Birthday long weekend, FV Geelong proudly hosted the 2026 Football Victoria Country Championships, welcoming more than 1,200 players and thousands of visitors from across regional Victoria to our region.
Across three action-packed days, our representative squads produced an outstanding performance both on and off the pitch, showcasing the talent, teamwork and spirit that exists throughout the Geelong football community.
Six Championship Titles for Geelong
FV Geelong entered 13 teams into the Championships, with every single team progressing through to their respective finals.
Of those 13 finalists, six teams were crowned Country Champions:
- Under 11 Boys Green
- Under 12 Boys
- Under 14 Boys
- Under 11 Girls White
- Under 13 Girls
- Under 14 Girls
A further four teams finished as runners-up, capping off one of the strongest Country Championships campaigns in recent memory.
A special mention must go to our Under 12 Boys, who completed a remarkable tournament undefeated, winning all seven matches, scoring 25 goals and conceding none. Their campaign included a 2-0 semi-final victory before securing the championship with a 1-0 win in the final.
Memorable Moments Across the Weekend
While the trophies are a fantastic reward, the Championships are about much more than results.
There were penalty shootout victories, all-Geelong grand finals, dramatic finishes and countless moments of sportsmanship and resilience across the weekend.
Three of Geelong’s finals were decided by penalty shootouts, with our teams holding their nerve to win all three.
The Under 11 Boys and Under 11 Girls competitions each featured all-Geelong grand finals, highlighting the incredible depth of talent currently developing throughout our region.
Throughout the tournament, players represented not only their teams but also their clubs, families and the wider Geelong football community with pride and professionalism.
Geelong Hosts the State’s Best
Hosting the Country Championships was another fantastic opportunity to showcase Geelong as a destination for major sporting events.
The tournament attracted an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 visitors to the region, delivering a significant boost to local businesses while bringing together the football community from every corner of regional Victoria.
The Championships officially commenced with an opening ceremony attended by City of Greater Geelong Councillor Eddy Kontelj, who welcomed participants and families to the region and highlighted the importance of the event to both football and the local economy.
A particular highlight of the opening ceremony was the appearance of Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross, whose achievements continue to inspire young footballers across Australia.
Thank You
Events of this scale are only possible thanks to the dedication and hard work of many people.
Thank you to Football Victoria for entrusting Geelong with hosting this year’s Championships.
Thank you to our coaches, team managers, volunteers, referees, host venues, families and supporters who gave their time and energy throughout the weekend.
Most importantly, congratulations to all 193 players who represented FV Geelong. Your effort, commitment and sportsmanship made the entire region proud.
2026 Football Victoria Country Championships Champions
Under 11 Boys – FV Geelong Green
Under 12 Boys – FV Geelong
Under 13 Boys – FV Sunraysia
Under 14 Boys – FV Geelong
Under 15 Boys – FV Greater Ballarat
Under 16 Boys – FV Sunraysia
Under 11 Girls – FV Geelong White
Under 12 Girls – FV Greater Bendigo
Under 13 Girls – FV Geelong
Under 14 Girls – FV Geelong
Under 15 Girls – FV Shepparton
Under 16 Girls – FV Sunraysia
Congratulations to all regions on a fantastic tournament. We already can’t wait for next year.
