Newly-promoted National Premier League top-flight club Altona Magic as well as State League sides Preston Lions and Lalor United are heading to McEwen Reserve on Saturday, taking part in the club’s gala day.
The Reds are out to raise funds to secure the longevity of the club, while celebrating their history with some of the state’s best.
Junior vice-president and player Donny Stojanovski hoped football fans in the Goulburn Valley would turn out to see a bonanza day of football, while celebrating one of the region’s great clubs.
‘‘It’s a fundraiser for the club, we’ve struggled a bit in the last five or six years but we’ve got clubs coming from Melbourne coming to help us out a bit, there’s quite a few people to really help us raise some money,’’ he said.
‘‘You’ve got big clubs coming from Melbourne, Altona is in the NPL (National Premier League) top-flight, and Preston has been one of the most highly-supported sides outside the A-League.
‘‘Lalor is coming too, they’re all Macedonian clubs we’re close with and it’s great they’re coming up to help out.’’
Stojanovski said his club was feeling the support of the clubs, helping the Reds try and write the next chapter of their history.
‘‘It’s been really good, we’ve got a good connection with the presidents,’’ he said.
‘‘I was in Melbourne for 10 years, I played for a couple of the clubs and have a really good connection with them.
‘‘They’re really excited about coming too and putting on a show for us, there’s a few ex-Socceroos in there too.’’
While Shepparton’s seniors have had a down period, its reserves celebrated premiership success last season and Stojanovski said the 60th anniversary was about celebrating the many years of memories the club had brought to its members.
‘‘When I took over as president in 2016 the club was basically going to fold,’’ he said.
‘‘The club has really stood up, and (current president) Ian Martin now has been great for the club.
‘‘The club has had a lot of success, especially in the 80s as a senior team. It was only local football, but these players were idols to us and we’d love to see a lot of them back for the 60th anniversary celebrations.
Festivities on Saturday, February 9, start at 3pm as Shepparton’s masters side battles Lalor United, before the clubs’ senior sides also go head-to-head at 5pm.
The main event is a showdown between Altona Magic and the Preston Lions, kicking off at 7pm.
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