The Rebels compete in the TAC Cup U/18 AFL competition in Victoria, Australia. Major Partner: McDonald's Ballarat
The Ballarat Rebels joined the then VSFL Under 18 Competition in 1993, one year after the competition began. Players from the Ballarat region played with the Geelong Falcons in 1992. Under the direction of Regional Manager Tony Frawley, and Coach Ian Baker, the Rebels were based at the City Oval in Ballarat. Their original jumpers were green and gold. The Rebels debut game was played against the Eastern Ranges and after a “bright opening they tired in the last quarter to go down by 45 points”. In October 1995 the North Ballarat Football Club was granted a Licence to join the Victorian Football League and the Rebels operation moved to the Northern Oval. In 1996 the North Ballarat Roosters and the Ballarat Rebels became the first fully integrated VFL Club and the Rebels became the North Ballarat Rebels. In 1997 the competition became known as the VFL Under 18 TAC Cup and this became a highlight year for the Rebels, winning the Premiership by defeating the highly favoured Dandenong Stingrays 16.15 (111) to 10.16 (76), under Coach Garry Fletcher. Played at the MCG this was also the day the Rebels donned the North Ballarat black and white jumper for the first time. The Rebels expansive region includes Ballarat, Daylesford, Creswick, Avoca, Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Warracknabeal, Edenhope, Hamilton, Portland, Heywood and Mortlake
