Community Cup Confirms Plans To Expand Beyond Vic & NSW

The annual Reclink Community Cup is approaching once again and, in the lead-up to its 21st birthday in its home town of Melbourne, appears stronger than ever after organisers confirmed that the event is examining its options with respect to expanding into other states, potentially at a national level.

"The Community Cup is an iconic event that is celebrating its 21st year in Melbourne," spokesperson Lou Ridsdale told theMusic.com.au. "It is much-loved by the community and players alike.

"Reclink Australia is currently evaluating the opportunity to expand the Cup into other states."

Despite some reports late last week hinting that the Community Cup would be shifting to August from its traditional month of June and have events held in Perth and Adelaide as a foregone conclusion, a spokesperson for the event told theMusic.com.au that nothing is concrete yet, with organisers currently weighing up their expansion options while reiterating the strength of the existing showdowns in Melbourne and Sydney, which will host its fourth Community Cup this year.

"Whilst no decision has been made [over the projected changes], at the core of any decisions is the fundamental requirements that any new event will continue to raise funds to provide sport and recreation opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds," Reclink's spokesperson told theMusic.com.au.

"Meanwhile, the Sydney Community Cup is in its fourth year and has strong local support within the Sydney music and independent radio sectors."

Each year's Community Cup pits members of the music media against people with actual talent in a charity Australian Rules football match. The media took the win at last year's Sydney event, while the musos emerged victorious at Melbourne's clash.

The 2015 Reclink Community Cup will be held in Elsternwick Park on Sunday, 21 June.