BENDIGO City FC is on cloud nine following an unexpected win of a different kind.
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The Epsom-based club, which fields junior teams in the National Premier Leagues Victoria competition, was the surprise recipient of a $10,000 donation after last week's matches against NPL powerhouse Avondale FC at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.
Bendigo company Underground Cable Systems, which sponsors both clubs, and Winslow Constructions put up a winner-take-all prize of $10,000 to the victor of the UCS Community Cup.
Determined by the results in seven matches - three involving Bendigo City FC and Avondale FC junior teams and four State League contests between Avondale and Preston Lions (women's, men's, under-21 and under-19) - the cup was won by the visitors 5-2.
The cup celebrations took an incredible twist when Avondale FC president Josie Di Blasi announced her club would generously donate the full $10,000 prize purse to Bendigo City.
Bendigo City technical director Nathan Claridge said the club would be eternally grateful for their rival's amazing gesture.
"The $10,000 is beyond what we could have imagined. We are literally all lost for words," he said.
"That sort of money to a club like ours makes a massive, massive difference. We can't thank Avondale, UCS and Winslow enough."
Bragging rights for Bendigo City went to the club's under-15 team, which defeated Avondale 3-2, after rallying from a 2-nil deficit.
Late first half goals to Ruben Christie and Oliver Bresland ensured City went into the break on level terms.
A go-ahead goal in the 50th minute from Jasper Williams was enough to seal a hard-fought win and give Fab Soncin's team its first win of the season.
"There's a bit of excitement about our under-15 boys this year, they should knock a few of the big teams off like Avondale," he said.
The hosts were able to secure a further point courtesy of Preston Lions win in the senior women's clash.
A further highlight of the day was a clinic run by Avondale's former professional players and current senior coaching staff, led by Zoran Markovski, New Zealand international Jeff Fleming and Andy Vargas, along with senior players, including former Melbourne City player Jonatan Germano.
"This is an amazing opportunity for our young club to partner with a very successful senior NPL club and develop regional football, and specifically create opportunities for talented regional players," Claridge said.
"To see the likes of Zoran, Jeff and Andy out there entertaining and interacting with our local kids was just fantastic.
"Most of those kids would have no idea who these guys are but it didn't matter because they had the most amazing time.
"For Avondale to bring their very best for our littlest kids and to be so engaging says a lot about this club and the people who are part of it.
"It's definitely a club we want to relate with and learn from."
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