Battle for state glory: StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup
Schools from across Queensland will vie for state glory in the annual championships this weekend (October 17-19) at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex.
The 2025 State Champions of the StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup will be crowned at this weekend’s State Finals and Hall of Fame event on the Sunshine Coast.
In 2025, AFL Queensland had another record-breaking year in the StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup, with 856 schools and more than 17,000 students across Queensland participating in one of the country’s largest school competitions.
Across three days there will be seven secondary schools divisions contested and in the primary schools division, three schools will be named Primary School of the Year in their respective division at the conclusion of the championships.
Teams to travel from far and wide to battle for state glory
St Peter's Lutheran College Aiyana Pritchard will contest the senior female division at Friday's championships. Photo: Highflyer Images
Tagai State College will travel from Cape York to contest the Primary Female Division and nine North Queensland and two Central Queensland schools are set to lace up their boots.
Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Councillor Joe Natoli said Sunshine Coast Council was proud to once again host the StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup State Finals at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex.
"We’ve previously hosted AFLW matches, elite training camps, AFL Masters and the AFL Pacific Cup, but it all starts at the grassroots!” he said.
“This event gives hundreds of young athletes the chance to compete, grow and be inspired in a safe and welcoming environment.
“Supporting school sport is an investment in our future champions and in the health and vibrancy of our Queensland AFL community.
Head of AFL Queensland and International Trisha Squires said the weekend would be a celebration of another fantastic year of the StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup.
“In 2025 we had a record breaking 856 schools participate in our competition across Queensland, that’s an increase of 15 per cent year-on-year,” Ms Squires said.
“This result and speaks to more children at schools across Queensland having the opportunity to love and connect with our game.
“We are so excited to welcome everyone to the Sunshine Coast for the State Finals and look forward to watching the excellent skills and team work on display.
“This competition would not be possible without the support of the Sunshine Coast Council and our naming-rights partner StreetSmarts.
“I would also like to thank all of the umpires, students, teachers, parents and administrators for their support of the competition this weekend and for all who have connected with our game this year."
Kicking goals on and off the field
The Queensland Government is teaming up with AFL Queensland to tackle road safety head-on, by connecting with event participants - future drivers, and sharing crucial messages that could save lives.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the StreetSmarts partnership was about amplifying the importance of road safety and early-intervention for new and future drivers.
“This partnership with AFL Queensland offers a platform to promote road safety to the next generation of drivers, who are at their most vulnerable when they first get their licence,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“This has included sharing vital messages about e-scooters and e-bike safety, the importance of seatbelts and removing distractions in vehicles, and remembering to take care on the road, no matter how you use them.
“We want to see these young Queenslanders kicking goals both on and off the field, making smart choices that keep themselves and others safe.”
This event is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council through the Major Events Sponsorship Program.
The event helps deliver the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy which aims to bring in $86 million of economic benefit to the region through visitation and local spend.
Event details
Event: StreetSmarts AFL Queensland Schools Cup - State Finals
Date: 17-19 October 2025
Times: Daily 9am - 4pm
Venue: Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, Fishermans Rd, Maroochydore
The Courier Mail and News Corp affiliates will also live stream all of the finals action thanks to KommunityTV.