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.
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.
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!
Councillor Terry Landsberg
Strong Economy Portfolio
Sunshine Coast Council
Venue & Parking
WinterFest26 is held across the University of the Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC.
University of the Sunshine Coast has more than 2,000 car spaces across the venue providing ample spaces to park nearby to each field.
Sunshine Coast Wanderers has parking options at the main clubhouse area and two other locations along Ballinger Road.
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
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
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
PROUD PARTNERS
WinterFest26 is delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council & Visit Sunshine Coast and supported by Radio partners Sea FM & Mix FM.
