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.

Facebook Group

Coles MiniRoos Kids Zone Registration

Days

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WinterFest Welcome Message

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to WinterFest26 – Queensland’s biggest junior football carnival and a true highlight of our Football Queensland calendar.

From Wednesday, 1 July to Sunday, 5 July, more than 2,000 players, coaches and referees will come together at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Wanderers 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 WinterFest26 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 with the added element of competitive matches for Under 10 and Under 11 age groups this year.

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, develop, and enjoy the game.

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

To everyone taking part in this year’s carnival, I extend to you all a very warm welcome to WinterFest26. 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

Things To Do

Deals

Trip Ideas

What's On

Event Activations

Coaching Workshop

Football Queensland’s Technical team are hosting a free coaching workshop on Creating a Fun and Engaging Learning Environment on Game Day. The session will be led by FQ Club Development Ambassadors and A Diploma coaches Priscilla Tan and Martin Docherty.

Thursday, 2 July
UniSC Arena Function Room
Classroom Session: 7pm – 7:40pm
Field Session: 7:45pm – 8:25pm
1 CPD Hour

Please note: if the below registration link fails to load, please clear your browser cache.

Schedule of events

Sunday, 29 June 2025

7:50am: First Game Kicks Off
12:30pm – 12:50pm: Opening Ceremony | Fields 5A & 5B
7:10pm: Last Game Kicks Off

Monday, 30 June 2025

8:00am – 2:05pm: Final Group Stage Fixtures
1:20pm: Survival Round, Promotion Playoffs and Elimination Final Matches Begin
6:35pm: Last Game Kicks Off

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

8:00am: U12 Boys Gold Cup Group B and U12 Girls Gold Cup Group A and B Fixtures
8:40am: U12 Boys Bronze Cup and U12 Girls Silver Cup Regional Fixtures
9:30am: U12 Boys Silver Cup and Bronze Cup Semi-Final Fixtures
10:30am: U12 Girls Silver Cup and U13 Girls Silver Cup Semi-Final Fixtures
11:30am: U12 Girls Gold Cup and U12 Boys Gold Cup Semi-Final Fixtures
12:30pm: U12 Boys, U12 Girls and U13 Girls Silver Cup, and U12 Boys Bronze Cup Grand Final Grand Final Fixtures
1:20pm – 1:50pm: Silver and Bronze Cup Medal Presentations | Field 2A
1:15pm: U12 Boys, U12 Girls and U13 Girls Gold Cup Grand Final Fixtures
1:50 – 2:30pm: Gold Cup Medal Presentation | Field 2A

Rules of competition

Click here to access the FQ Junior Cup Rules of Competition.

Venue & Parking

WinterFest26 is being held across the University of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra FC and Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC.

Check out the venue maps below to find your way around.

Animals are not permitted within either venue, with the exception of certified service dogs.

Sunshine Coast wanderers fc

university of the sunshine coast

Caloundra Football club

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.

Vendor	Location	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Ben & Jerry’s	Field 1A/1B	8am – 7pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 7pm
Brazzos Boys BBQ	Field 1A/1B	8am – 7pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 7pm
King Snow Cones	Field 1A/1B	8am – 7pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 7pm
Drift Woodfired Pizza	2A/2B	8am – 7pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 7pm
Rainbow Bowls	2A/2B	8am – 7pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 7pm
Souvlucky (Souvlaki)	3A/3B	8am – 5pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 5pm
Bec’s Mini Dutch Pancake	3A/3B	8am – 5pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 5pm
Miss Koko (Acai & Ice cream)	3A/3B	8am – 5pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 5pm
Goodies (Burgers, Wraps, Fries)	4A/4B	8am – 5pm	8am – 4pm	8am – 5pm

View the venue map for exact locations.

Official Event Apparel

Purchase WinterFest26 event apparel by FineDesigns

Rules of competition & Playing format

View the WinterFest26 Rules of Competition here.

PROUD PARTNERS

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