Football Queensland brings Pacific Championships to Sunshine Coast
Football Queensland has announced the return of the Pacific Championships to the Sunshine Coast from Tuesday, 30 September to Sunday, 5 October, 2025.
Football Queensland
Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2024, which saw almost 2,000 participants take part, the 2025 Pacific Championships will return in a modified format and again feature the Junior Championships and the State of Origin Cup.
Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said they were excited to bring back the Pacific Championships in 2025 after such a successful debut event in 2024, which saw teams competing from Queensland, interstate, and New Zealand competing on the Sunshine Coast.
“The 2025 Pacific Championships would feature the return of our Junior Championships and the State of Origin Cup, providing more fantastic opportunities for the best young footballers to gather and play high quality match minutes, whilst also getting to explore the beautiful Sunshine Coast region," Mr Cavallucci said.
“In September and October, the Junior Championships would showcase Under 10 to Under 13 Boys teams and Under 9/11 Girls to Under 12/13 Girls teams, while the State of Origin Cup would highlight our best Under 14 Boys and Under 14-17 Girls teams from across multiple states.
“The Pacific Championships is set to be a highlight of the 2025 football calendar as we continue delivering innovative participation opportunities to inspire the next generation of football stars.
“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 championship carnival for all involved.
“We look forward to welcoming all players, coaches, referees and supporters to the Pacific Championships once again and we hope they enjoy the event, and all the Sunshine Coast has to offer.”
Pacific Championships a pathway for juniors
Economy Portfolio Councillor Joe Natoli said sponsoring Football Queensland through Council’s Major Events Program to bring the Pacific Championships back to the Sunshine Coast was a win-win for everyone involved.
“Our Sunshine Coast is a beautiful destination for those travelling from other parts of Queensland, interstate, and internationally, with plenty of attractions and adventures on offer during the six-day long event,” Cr Natoli said.
“The event helps deliver the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy which aims to drive $86 million of economic benefit to the region through visitation and local spend.
“The Pacific Championships provide a crucial pathway for developing our junior athletes, who could soon be representing Australia on the international stage.
"The Sunshine Coast a Key Delivery Partner for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and proposed host for nine Olympic and Paralympic events – including preliminary football matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
“Hosting events like the Pacific Championships adds to our experience and showcases our capabilities as a sports destination.”
Event schedule
Pacific Junior Championships
Saturday, 30 September – Tuesday, 2 October
Age groups: U10 Boys, U11 Boys, U12 Boys, U13 Boys, U9/11 Girls and U12/13 Girls
State of Origin Cup
Wednesday, 3 October – Friday, 5 September
Age groups: U14 Boys, U14/17 Girls
Pacific Championships 2024 - Sunshine Coast
