EPSON-Huntly Reserve wasn't the only place to see plenty of foot traffic this week.
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As hundreds of the country's best young soccer players descended on the field for the School Sport Australia 12-and-under football titles, the players also received a dose of history during their stay in Bendigo.
More than 200 players took time out from the fierce competition to experience the Central Deborah Gold Mine and the city's vintage trams on Wednesday.
Victorian boys team coach Adrian Mazzarella said the players were surprised at Bendigo's rich and diverse history.
"It's fair to say not a lot of them knew about the history of Bendigo before we came here," he said.
"The interesting parts of the city's history really came as a surprise to them.
"They loved the mine, it really blew the players away. It was a bit scary initially to go down the elevator but they really enjoyed it."
The boys and girls teams representing five states and two territories rotated through the tourist destinations throughout the rest day from the main competition.
Mr Mazzarella said the tram ride also gave the teams the opportunity to get to know each other a bit better off the field.
"They were able to mingle with the other teams a bit," he said.
"The teams paired up and went to each place in groups.
"The operators were very understanding in having so many kids walking around the place."
School Sports Victoria organised the trip for the players.
Strategic manager Nick Mooney said it was good for the players to learn a little about the place they were staying.
"From all reports, the gold mine was great," he said.
"They were really able to engage the players."
Having spent Wednesday going on a cultural tour of Bendigo, it was back to business on Thursday as Victoria's boy's and girl's teams faced important matches.