Football Queensland (FQ) is proud to announce that WinterFest24 will be returning to the Sunshine Coast from Wednesday, 26 June to Sunday, 30 June at Maroochydore Football Club.
With over 2,000 footballers, the state’s largest junior football carnival will be again delivered in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast and will welcome Under 9 to Under 11 boys and girls teams from across Queensland to the region.
“We’re excited to announce that WinterFest24 will be returning to the Sunshine Coast this year following the success of last year’s carnival, which featured a special visit from the official FIFA Women’s World Cup™ trophy during its 5-month global tour,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.
“WinterFest24 provides a fantastic opportunity for the best young footballers from across the state to gather and play high quality match minutes, whilst also getting to explore the beautiful Sunshine Coast region.
“Football Queensland would like to again thank the Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast for their ongoing support of our state’s up-and-coming stars by helping to create a memorable carnival for all involved.
“We look forward to welcoming all players, coaches, referees and supporters to WinterFest24 and we hope they enjoy the event, and all the Sunshine Coast has to offer.”
Sunshine Coast Major Events Board Chair John Williams said hosting the festival would foster sports development at a grass-roots level, with an added benefit of showcasing the Sunshine Coast to hundreds of families arriving from across the state.
“Sponsoring WinterFest to bring more than 2,000 young footballers to the Sunshine Coast was part of a broader vision for the region’s reputation to grow as an event and sports training destination for Football,” Williams said.
“It is great to see the carnival act as a talent pathway opportunity for junior boys and girls through the FQ Academy and for junior referees with emerging referees from each participating regions sent to officiate.
“This is particularly important for our local aspiring young footballers as the region looks forward to potentially hosting preliminary football matches during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032.”
Stay up to date with the latest WinterFest24 event updates here.