The Geelong region’s best and brightest junior footballers we’re in action over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend at the Football Federation Victoria Regional Challenge Cup in Bendigo.

Geelong sent four boys’ and three girls’ teams to the tournament, joining over 500 of regional Victoria’s best in vying to be named the best overall region and hold the Regional Challenge Cup aloft.

The Under 12 Boys won their Grand Final while the Under 13 Boys, Under 14 Boys, Under 15 Boys, Under 12 Girls and Under 14 Girls were runners up.

These fine performances saw the Geelong region finish second overall in the Regional Challenge Cup standings with Albury Wodonga finishing first.

Geelong have now finished second overall in the tournament for the second year running after being pipped by Bendigo by the narrowest of margins in 2011.

This is the second year the FFV run boys’ tournament has run alongside the Country Leagues Football Association Girls’ Country Championships and the first year that results from the girls’ tournament have counted towards the FFV Regional Challenge Cup.

The Regional Challenge Cup gives country-based players the opportunity to represent their town and compete against highly skilled opponents while gaining valuable experience in travelling and playing as a squad.

Geelong coaches at the tournament had the chance to learn from a pro as Melbourne Heart Head Coach and Socceroo legend John Aloisi presented a Coach the Coach session on Saturday.

Aloisi discussed the Melbourne Heart style of play and what they look for in a player before opening up to the floor for questions about motivating players, teaching them to understand their positioning and how to ensure they are competitive when required.

For full Regional Challenge Cup and Girls’ Country Championships results click here.