Massive coup for Lavington Sports Ground with School Sport Australia Football Championships

Albury Council was successful in its bid to host the School Sport Australia 15 years and under Australian Football Championships in July next year.

The national championship is set to boost the Border economy by than $3.5 million and bring more than 1300 players, officials and supporters to the city.

It will be the first time the championships are held in a regional area in more than 20 years.

The week-long event will be played across the dual grounds at Lavington Sports Ground, with nearby Urana Road Oval also to be used for matches.

Albury mayor Kevin Mack said it was a great coup for Lavington Sports Ground to highlight why its one of regional Australia's best sports and events venues.

"Earlier this year, LSG hosted the NSW All Schools State Championship and all involved were very impressed with the venue and associated facilities and services," he said.

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"That success was instrumental in helping us to win this latest bid, which will provide a huge economic boost to local businesses and also showcase our fantastic sports ground and associated attractions to visitors from across the country."

Lenny Hayes, Paul Spargo, Allan Murray, John Longmire, Leo Barry, Adam Schneider, Cameron Mooney, Callum Mills, Jacob Hopper and Harry Cunningham are just some of the names to have played at the championships before going on to successful careers at the highest level.

Albury's Olivia Barber was named player of the championship in 2017 ahead of being drafted to Geelong, and former Billabong High School student Alyce Parker also starred on this stage before joining GWS.

Lavington Sports Ground was recently overlooked for a Big Bash League fixture, despite a $100,000 promise from the NSW Government it would help Albury Council host a match for points.

The venue was also denied an AFL pre-season game between Richmond and Western Bulldogs in February after the draw was revamped due to COVID-19 travel restrictions on players.

Melbourne Rebels and ACT Brumbies were set to play a Super Rugby trial in the same month, but it was cancelled at the last minute.

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