AGL Loy Yang is proud to be the naming rights sponsor of a new football tournament in Gippsland that will bring together some of Victoria’s top tier teams over three days of competition in January.

The inaugural AGL Loy Yang Gippsland Cup will feature a representative team from the Latrobe Valley Soccer League (LVSL) and will play against the Eastern Lions Soccer Club NPL1, Mornington Soccer Club State 1, and Melbourne Victory’s NPL3 squad.

AGL Loy Yang General Manager, Christo van Niekerk said AGL Loy Yang is proud to support this tournament which will support the growth of football across Gippsland.  

“Our region is a passionate sporting community and I have no doubt the AGL Loy Yang Gippsland Cup will set the stage for new incredible talent this year,” Mr van Niekerk said

“After a challenging two years in community sport across the state, we know how important these events are in bringing together our community and supporting the growth of sport in our region.

“Community sport is more than just a competition between players – it brings a sense of belonging – with volunteers, athletes, coaches, families and fans all part of the action.

“We know there will be plenty of people cheering on the sidelines and helping to enable new pathways for our next generation of football stars.

“I want to congratulate the Eastern Lions on launching this tournament in the heart of Gippsland, providing important social and economic benefits to our communities.”

Eastern Lions Tournament Organiser, Craig Fathers said the organisation is grateful AGL Loy Yang has come on board as the naming right sponsor.

“AGL Loy Yang has a long history of supporting community groups, sporting clubs and events in Gippsland. Thanks to this new partnership, we can now bring the highest level of men’s soccer in Victoria to the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Fathers said.

LVSL President Allan Roberts said the league is excited to offer its senior players a representative squad opportunity that has been sorely missed at league level.

“This tournament is a great opportunity to promote our game leading into the start of our season, and also on the back of the last two seasons that we have missed,” Mr Roberts said.

“We’re excited to partner with Eastern Lions SC and bring NPL football to Gippsland and allow the Gippsland soccer community to see football at a higher level. We hope that this is a start of a productive working relationship between our league and Eastern Lions.”

The first round of the event will kick-off on Australia Day in Burwood before travelling to the Latrobe Valley on 28 January for round two at Traralgon City Soccer Club at Harold Preston Reserve and round three on 29 January at Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium in Morwell. A Community Soccer Coaching Clinic will be held at Fortuna 60 Soccer Club in Morwell on 30 January. All games in the tournament will follow COVID-safe measures.

The AGL Loy Yang Gippsland Cup is also supported by Latrobe City Council, Destination Gippsland, Johns Lyng Gippsland and O’Brien Real Estate.

Entry to all fixtures is free. For more information about the tournament, including fixtures, visit https://www.easternlions.com.au/gippsland-cup-2022