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Governing body for football and futsal in Queensland

WinterFest 26

Winterfest26

Football Queensland is delighted to once again host WinterFest, the state’s largest junior football carnival, on the Sunshine Coast, delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast.

  • Queensland's Largest Junior Football Carnival

    From Wednesday, 1 July to Sunday, 5 July at University of Sunshine Coast & Sunshine Coast Wanderers.

  • Over 2,000 Players From Across Queensland

    WinterFest26 will welcome teams from Under 9 to Under 11 boys and girls age groups.

  • Diverse Opponents

    Teams participating from all regional FQ Academy centres plus invited FQ Academy League teams from South East Queensland.

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Coles MiniRoos Kids Zone Registration
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WinterFest Welcome Message

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to WinterFest25 – Queensland’s biggest junior football carnival and a true highlight of our Football Queensland calendar. 

From Wednesday, 2 July to Sunday, 6 July, more than 2,000 players, coaches and referees will come together at Maroochydore FC for five days of football, fun and development, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sunshine Coast. 

We’re proud to bring together teams from every regional FQ Academy centre alongside invited FQ Academy League teams from South East Queensland, making WinterFest25 a vibrant and inclusive celebration of the game we all love. 

WinterFest also plays an important role within our FQ Academy Talent ID and player development system, with Football Queensland coaching and technical staff supporting players on their journey and providing valuable feedback throughout the event. 

There’s something truly special about this carnival, with the energy, the community spirit, and the chance it creates for so many young players to grow, participate, and enjoy the game. 

I’d like to thank Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast for their partnership and ongoing support of junior football here in Queensland. 

To everyone taking part in this year’s carnival, I’d extend to you all a very warm welcome to WinterFest25. I hope you enjoy every match, every moment, and everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer. 

Picture of Rob Cavallucci

Rob Cavallucci

Chief Executive Officer

Welcome Message from Sunshine Coast

I am pleased to welcome all the young athletes, coaches, officials, families and supporters joining us for WinterFest at Maroochydore Football Club.

We’re thrilled to host Queensland’s largest junior football carnival right here on the Sunshine Coast, reinforcing our region’s proud reputation as the home of junior football in Queensland.

WinterFest is more than a celebration of the game. It’s a showcase of emerging talent and a reflection of our commitment to supporting the next generation of sporting stars. It also marks an exciting chapter in our journey towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Sunshine Coast proposed to host football matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium as a Co-Host City for the Games.

While you’re here, we invite you to explore the natural beauty of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere, from golden beaches to lush hinterland, and enjoy the many attractions that make our region fun for families.

On behalf of Sunshine Coast Council, I wish every player the very best. May your WinterFest experience be filled with great football, new friendships and unforgettable memories – on and off the pitch.

Play well, have fun, and enjoy your time on the Sunshine Coast!

Picture of Councillor Terry Landsberg

Councillor Terry Landsberg

Strong Economy Portfolio
Sunshine Coast Council 

Things To Do

Deals

Trip Ideas

What's On

Maroochydore FC Parking

80 standard parking spaces available in the Maroochydore FC car park – access via Maroochydore Rd. 

50 4WD parking spaces* available in the Maroochydore FC external car park 

*Only 4WD vehicles permitted in this area. Drivers must observe a maximum speed of 10km per hour, avoid non-drivable zones and exercise caution as the access route and driveway are shared with pedestrians at all times 

Click here to book parking for the remainder of the tournament. 

Please note parking in surrounding business premises is strictly prohibited. These are private properties, and any unauthorised vehicles may be fined and towed at the owner’s expense. Please ensure you only park in designated event parking areas to avoid penalties. 

Off-Site Parking

Off-Site Parking* 

150 parking spaces available at Buderim Wanderers Football Club, located at 176 Ballinger Rd, Buderim. 

*Shuttle bus service available to/from this site (approx. 15-minute travel time) 

Click here to book parking for the remainder of the tournament. 

Shuttle bus services will run between the off-site car park and Maroochydore FC, supported by Football Queensland staff on site and departing every 30 minutes between the following times: 

Day 3 – Friday 4 July 

6:30am: Shuttle bus service commences (first departure from off-site car park) 
8:30pm: Shuttle bus service concludes (final departure from Maroochydore FC at 8pm) 

Day 4 – Saturday 5 July 

6:30am: Shuttle bus service commences (first departure from off-site car park) 
8:00pm: Shuttle bus service concludes (final departure from Maroochydore FC at 7:30pm) 

Day 5 – Sunday 6 July 

6:30am: Shuttle bus service commences (first departure from off-site car park) 
5:30pm: Shuttle bus service concludes (final departure from Maroochydore FC at 5pm) 

Shuttle buses to Maroochydore FC will drop attendees to the drop-off point on Robert St, with access to the venue available via the pedestrian path underneath the highway. Shuttle buses will also depart the venue from this location. 

Hospitals

Buderim Private Hospital ER
12 Elsa Wilson Drive, Buderim QLD 4556
PH: (07) 5430 3303

Sunshine Coast University Hospital
University Hospital 6 Doherty Street, Bertinya QLD 4575
PH: (07) 5202 0000

Chemists

Chemist Warehouse Maroochydore
15/100 Maroochydore Road, Maroochydore QLD 4558
PH: (07) 5409 8765

Maroochy Day & Night Pharmacy
107-109 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore QLD 4558
PH: (07) 5443 6070

FA SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Spectators attending a Match or otherwise involved in any activity staged or sanctioned by Football Australia or an affiliate Member Federation, District Association or Club must: 
 
1. Respect the decisions of Match Officials and teach children to do the same. 
 
2. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake. 
 
3. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, race, colour, religion, 
language, politics, national or ethnic origin. 
 
4. Never use violence in any form towards another person including fellow spectators, Players or Match/Team Officials (including Coaches). 
 
5. Not engage in acts of discrimination, harassment or abuse towards any person, including: 
a. the use of obscene or offensive language and/or gestures; 
b. the incitement of hatred or violence.
 
6. Comply with all Terms of Admission including provisions relating to security screening, intoxication, and items that are prohibited by law or restricted by policy from being brought into the Venue. 
 
7. Not display, or attempt to display, the following items within the Venue: 
a. National, political or racial flags or emblems except for the recognised National flags of the competing teams; 
b. offensive or inappropriate banners in either English or a foreign language. 
 
8. Never throw missiles, projectiles or objects of any description at Players, Match Officials or fellow spectators. 
 
9. Not enter or attempt to enter the field of play or playing arena without lawful authority. 
 
10. Refrain from any disorderly conduct or conduct that may injure the reputation and goodwill of Football Australia and the code of Football generally. 
 
Any person who does not comply with this Spectator Code of Behaviour or who otherwise causes a disturbance may be evicted from the Venue and may be banned from attending future Matches.

Schedule of events

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

  • 12:00pm: First Game Kicks Off
  • 7:20pm: Last Game Kicks Off

Thursday, 3 July 2025

  • 7:50am: First Game Kicks Off
  • 7:10pm: Last Game Kicks Off

Friday, 4 July 2025

  • 7:50am: First Game Kicks Off
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm: FQ Coaches Lab | Coaching Workshop
  • 2:30pm – 2:50pm: Opening Ceremony | Fields 5A & 5B
  • 7:10pm: Last Game Kicks Off

Saturday, 5 July 2025

  • 7:50am: First Game Kicks Off
  • 6:30pm: Last Game Kicks Off

Sunday, 6 July 2025

  • 7:50am: First Game Kicks Off
  • 4:30pm: Last Game Kicks Off

Rules of competition

Click here to access the WinterFest Playing Format and Rules of Competition.

Schedule of events

92.7 Mix FM 

  • Friday, 4 July | 1:30pm to 3:00pm
  • Location: Activation Zone

Coles MiniRoos Kids Zone

  • Wednesday, 2 July – Saturday, 5 July | Sessions available between 8:30am – 5:00pm
  • Sunday, 6 July | Sessions available between 9am – 11am
  • Kids aged 5 – 12
  • $10 per person
  • Location: Activation Zone

Register Now

Awesome Sports Images Photography

  • Operating Hours: 7:30am – Last kick-off
  • Location: Activation Zone

FQ Coaches Lab | Coaching Workshop

Creating a Fun and Engaging Learning Environment on Game Day (U9-13s)

Join FQ Club Development Ambassador’s Martin Docherty and Gareth Thomson for a interactive workshop designed to transform your game day coaching approach.

The workshop is specifically aimed at coaches working with junior players from age groups U9 to 13s.

Discover practical strategies to foster an enjoyable, high-impact learning experience where young players thrive.

Friday, 4th of July | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Maroochydore Clubrooms

Register Now

Official Event Apparel

Purchase WinterFest25 event apparel by FineDesigns

PROUD PARTNERS

WinterFest26 is delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council & Visit Sunshine Coast and supported by Radio partners Sea FM & Mix FM.

Official Partners
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(07) 3208 2677
187 Meakin Rd, Slacks Creek
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