Gallipoli Youth Cup A Resounding Success

The 2024 Gallipoli Youth Cup, held in Traralgon, showcased the finest high school tennis teams in Australia competing for the prestigious National High School Championship title. Originally established in 2008 as a Junior ITF event, the Gallipoli Youth Cup has evolved to include the National High School Team Championships, with support from PRO IT and in partnership with Youth of Tomorrow. This event not only celebrates athletic excellence but also emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and teamwork.

High-Level Tennis Despite Weather Challenges

Despite four days of rain disrupting the schedule, the tournament featured exceptionally high-quality tennis and a strong sense of unity among participants. Australian tennis legend and Gallipoli Youth Cup co-founder Pat Cash expressed his continued enthusiasm for the event.

“We’re delivering legacy and impact through the Gallipoli Youth Cup and transforming tennis through increased opportunities for secondary school athletes in Australia,” says Cash.

Co-founder and CEO of Youth of Tomorrow, Umit Oraloglu, highlighted the tournament’s dual focus on tennis and its commemorative significance.

“We are proud to see the development of tennis but also the commemorative aspect of the Gallipoli Youth Cup. This is the generation that will lead the commemoration of the fallen soldiers at Gallipoli, so it’s imperative we continue to make it a priority within a sporting environment,” shared Oraloglu.

Thrilling Matches and Championship Highlights

The boys’ final saw a repeat of the 2023 showdown between Brisbane Boys College and The McDonald College. Brisbane Boys College dominated, securing victory by winning all four singles matches and clinching the first set in the #1 doubles to retain their title for a second consecutive year.

The girls’ final was a nail-biting contest between Meriden School and Maribyrnong College. Meriden, aiming for their third straight title, demonstrated their resilience, winning three out of four singles matches—each decided by match tiebreaks—and sealing the championship with a victory in the #1 doubles. This triumph marked Meriden’s 10th National High School title, solidifying their legacy in the competition.

Awards and Commemoration

In the race for bronze, Marryatville High School claimed third place in the girls' division, while Palm Beach Currumbin State High School took home the bronze in the boys' category. Endeavour Sports High and Applecross Senior High School were honoured with the Sportsmanship Awards for their exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.

The winning teams received our limited-edition figurines containing authentic sand from Gallipoli, adding a meaningful commemorative element to their achievements.

"We are incredibly proud to support the Gallipoli Youth Cup, an event that not only celebrates the spirit of youth and sportsmanship but also fosters a sense of unity, perseverance, and mutual respect among young athletes. Our partnership with Tennis Australia reflects our commitment to empowering communities and nurturing the potential of future leaders, both on and off the field," says Stephen Davie, managing director of the BrandNet Group, owner of the Military Shop.

A Legacy of Sport and Commemoration

The Gallipoli Youth Cup continues to blend the spirit of competition with the commemoration of Australian history, offering young athletes a platform to honour the past while excelling in the present. The 2024 edition reinforced its significance as a unique and inspiring event in the Australian sporting calendar.