VIRTUE HOMES RISING STARS
The Virtue Homes Rising Stars Match is a key event in All Stars calendar, providing a platform for the region's top under-15 players to demonstrate their skills. Organised in partnership with the Dahlsens Gippsland All Stars, Gippsland League and Gippsland Power, the match highlights emerging talent from across Gippsland's four regions.
About the MatchThe Rising Stars Match brings together 48 players selected from the Gippsland All Stars program. Coaches from Southern Gippsland, Western Gippsland, Eastern Gippsland, and Latrobe Valley nominate standout athletes to form two teams:
- Team Red: Representing Southern and Western Gippsland
- Team Blue: Representing Eastern Gippsland and Latrobe Valley
Before the match, players take part in a training session at the Gippsland Power Centre of Excellence, led by Power coach Rhett McLennan. This session provides valuable guidance and preparation ahead of the game.
Held as a curtain-raiser to a Gippsland Power home game, the Rising Stars Match offers players a unique opportunity to compete in front of family, friends, and local football enthusiasts. Divided into two evenly matched teams, the players showcase their skills and teamwork in a game that reflects the depth of talent in Gippsland.
Participation in the Rising Stars Match also opens further opportunities for players, including eligibility to trial for the Gippsland V/Line Cup team. This next step in the junior football pathway offers valuable experience competing against top players from across Victoria during the September school holidays.
Supporting Gippsland's FutureThe Rising Stars Match is supported by Virtue Homes, reflecting their ongoing commitment to local sports development. This initiative is an important part of Gippsland’s football pathway, helping to prepare the next generation of players for future opportunities.
In 2025, the Virtue Homes Rising Stars event will expand to include netball, broadening its focus to celebrate more of Gippsland's emerging junior talent. This addition reflects the growing popularity of netball in the region, providing young athletes across multiple sports with a platform to showcase their skills and further their development. These new elements aim to enhance the event's inclusivity while continuing to highlight the depth of sporting talent in Gippsland.
