The countdown to the 2026 Blue Ribbon Cup has begun, with Victoria Police visiting Narre Warren South P–12 College to connect with students ahead of the annual community football match.
The Blue Ribbon Cup will be played on Friday 4 September, bringing together the Victoria Police Soccer Club and a combined City in the Community and Narre Warren South P–12 team for a competitive and community-focused game.
The day will begin with an opening match between the Year 9 girls from Gleneagles Secondary College and Narre Warren South P–12 College, before the Blue Ribbon Cup kicks off at 12.45pm.
As part of the lead-up, police officers spoke with students about their role in the community, answered questions and shared information about careers and pathways within Victoria Police. The visit provided an opportunity for students to meet police in a relaxed environment and begin building positive relationships ahead of the match.
“The Blue Ribbon Cup is an important opportunity to remember and honour police officers who have fallen in the line of duty,” said Gee Singh from Victoria Police. “It also allows us to connect with students in a positive environment, build stronger relationships and share more about the role police play in supporting the community, including the many career pathways available within Victoria Police.”
Melbourne City players James Niewenhuzen and Ben Mazzeo also joined the school visit, helping create an engaging and memorable experience for students and highlighting the powerful role football can play in bringing people together.
“The Blue Ribbon Cup is a great example of how football can bring people together,” said Melbourne City’s Head of City in the Community, Sunil Menon. “It creates a positive opportunity for students, police and the wider community to build relationships, have meaningful conversations and share an experience through sport. We’re proud to be part of an event that contributes to a safer and more connected community.”
For students involved in City in the Community’s programs, the match is also an opportunity to represent their school and play in front of their peers.
“The whole school gets behind the Blue Ribbon Cup, and it has become a really special day on our calendar,” said Ian Bowers from Narre Warren South P–12 College. “It brings students, staff, families, police and the wider community together, creating a real sense of pride and connection across the school. We’re excited to host the match and see our students represent Narre Warren South P–12 College.”
The Blue Ribbon Cup reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a vehicle for connection, early engagement and safer, stronger communities.
The Blue Ribbon Cup will take place at Narre Warren South P–12 College on Friday 4 September, with the opening match between Narre P12 and Gleneagles Secondary College Year 9 girls, before the Blue Ribbon Cup at 12.45pm.
