The youngsters in blue have made a major impact in host of high-profile major events in the state capital in recent months, lifting silverware at both the Chelsea Cup and the Macca’s City Cup.
In the case of the former, United’s under-14s brought the trophy back to the Goulburn Valley after a 3-0 win in the showpiece while prevailing in the latter competition after a dominant 6-0 win victory in that grand final.
Avram’s fledglings have continually disrupted the established order in Victoria’s junior soccer scene since the team was first launched last year and also reached the semi-finals of the illustrious Youth Super Cup in a spirited showing.
The starlets from Shepp came up against 16 sides in total en route to the last four of Victoria's Premier Football Comp, defeating metropolitan giants along the way - before bowing out.
Now, coach Avram has described his delight at the progress of the young players under his tutelage as he outlined his dedication to the cause of giving country kids the same opportunities to develop as talents from metropolitan centres.
“I’ve coached United over a number of years, my under-14s team is technically an under-13s team,” the 45-year-old tactician said.
“We started an early pre-season from November last year and my son has played with a couple of those boys down the years, so it was good to get them back at the club.
“I had this brainstorm idea where I gave those boys my word that I would get them seen in Melbourne and to as many tournaments as possible so the first one was at the Youth SuperCup in May and we got a lot of success.
“We beat the likes of George Cross and Pacoe Vale along the way, both of those teams are Youth Premier League 1 and 2 sides - then we played Geelong in the quarter-finals, before coming up against Green Gully in the last four, who went on to win it.”
Avram followed this up by expressing his joy at how his side has fared coming up against teams from Melbourne, as they showed how the club’s ethos is helping to level the playing field for prospective players from regional areas.
“I’m really proud of where the boys are at right now,” he said.
“The last weekend of March, we went straight into the Macca’s City Cup and was able to bring home some silverware, winning 6-0 in the grand final of the Plate Division.
“Then, the Chelsea Cup we had a faultless tournament, taking out the favourites in Bentley Green so that was really good to beat another Victorian Premier League club.
“There’s Melbourne clubs who had never heard of us and now we’re making a statement - giving these country boys a bit of exposure.”
He also placed emphasis on the impact that soccer can have for youngsters in terms of providing a sense of belonging and community for participants across the age divisions.
“Part of the reason for doing this is to give the kids an exposure to soccer and every opportunity,” he said.
“It’s rewarding, our juniors are the future of our club, we want to develop all of the kids and give each and every one of them that chance.”
Avram’s unwavering commitment to the cause is reflected across the club too, with United having recently announced that it will be participating in the Club Coach Coordinator Program run by Football Victoria (FV) in 2026.
In a first for the Goulburn Valley region, United’s coaches will be provided with tools, resources and education to deliver high-quality training sessions and create the best possible environment for players to develop their respective skills.
“At Shepparton United SC, we are committed to continuous improvement. Our coaches take their roles seriously and are dedicated to developing players not just in skill, but in confidence, teamwork and love for the game,” a club statement read.
