Star Power and School Pride Shine at the 2025 Gallipoli Youth Cup
Former world No.33 John Millman added star power to the 2025 Gallipoli Youth Cup, held in Traralgon, as Australia’s finest high school tennis teams competed for the prestigious National High School Championship title.
Originally established in 2008 as a Junior ITF event, the Gallipoli Youth Cup has continued to evolve. With the support of PRO IT and in partnership with Youth of Tomorrow, the tournament now incorporates the National High School Team Championships, bringing together elite school teams from across the country for five days of high-quality team tennis that celebrates not only athletic excellence, but also camaraderie and teamwork.
The event began on a high note with an opening ceremony hosted by Doug Caulfield OAM from the local RSL, followed by a Q&A session with Millman and former professional Ben Mitchell. Millman famously stunned world No.2 Roger Federer at the 2018 US Open, one of the most memorable upsets in tennis history.
Event co-founders Pat Cash and Umit Oraloglu welcomed the tournament’s return to Traralgon.
“We are proud to see the Gallipoli Youth Cup held for another consecutive year at the Traralgon Tennis Centre—a prestigious venue graced by champions such as Roger Federer, Nick Kyrgios and Ash Barty,” they said.
They also noted that for the first time, up to 160 students from low socio-economic backgrounds also participated through a collaboration with Youth of Tomorrow’s Schools Future Fit Program.
The boys’ final once again saw Brisbane Boys College face The McDonald College in a closely fought contest. Brisbane Boys College claimed a historic three-peat, taking a 3–1 lead after singles before sealing victory in the first set of the No.1 doubles.
The girls’ final was also a rematch of the 2024 decider, with Meriden School taking on Maribyrnong College. This time, Maribyrnong turned the tables, with Aurelie Kostova and Charlotte Vanstone-McGrath prevailing in a tense 10–8 match tiebreak to secure the school’s first National High School title in 12 years.
Marryatville High School demonstrated the depth of its program by claiming bronze medals in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions, while Methodist Ladies’ College and Applecross Senior High School received the Sportsmanship Awards for the girls’ and boys’ divisions respectively.
Each winning school received a limited-edition figurine containing authentic sand from Gallipoli, from the Military Shop.
“We are immensely proud to support the Gallipoli Youth Cup of Tennis Australia. This event that celebrates youth, sportsmanship and teamwork while fostering unity, resilience and mutual respect among our young athletes is an important part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and nurturing the next generation of leaders,” said Stephen Davie, Managing Director of the BrandNet Group, owner of Military Shop.
*All images courtesy of Tennis Australia.
