Sunshine Coast set for expanded Pacific Championships 2026
Football Queensland’s Pacific Championships will return to the Sunshine Coast in 2026, with an expanded edition of the event to be held at the University of the Sunshine Coast from Tuesday, 29 September to Sunday, 4 October.
Delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, the Pacific Championships invites teams from across the state and country and international sides to compete against their peers in Under 9 to Under 14 Boys and Under 9/10 to Under 13/14 Girls age groups.
Football Queensland State Technical Director Tom Laxton said Football Queensland was excited to welcome even more players, coaches and families to the Sunshine Coast this year for the Pacific Championships following the success of the last two events.
“With additional age groups added, the 2026 edition of the tournament will provide more opportunities for the next generation of up-and-coming stars to test their skills as they play high-quality match minutes against new opposition," Mr Laxton said.
“A new venue will also help to elevate the event experience for participants and spectators this year as the Pacific Championships are held at the University of the Sunshine Coast for the first time.
“From the beautiful beaches to the local attractions, the Sunshine Coast will continue to provide the perfect backdrop to the tournament in 2026, and we thank the Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast for their ongoing support of the Pacific Championships.”
Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said Council was proud to support the return of the Pacific Championships in 2026, particularly as the event expands to welcome more teams, families and visitors to the Sunshine Coast.
“Hosting the tournament at the University of the Sunshine Coast highlights our strong capability to deliver high quality sporting events, while supporting development pathways for young athletes and reinforcing our reputation as a respected sports destination," Cr Landsberg said.
“Major events like this play an important role in strengthening our local economy by driving visitation and delivering flow-on benefits for accommodation providers, hospitality venues and small businesses across the region.
“Hosting tournaments of this calibre also supports our long-term planning and capability as the Sunshine Coast prepares for potential football activations associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Event information
U10-14 boys & U11-14 girls Age Groups
29 Sep - 2 Oct 2026
Boys: U10, U11, U12, U13 & U14,
Girls: U11/12, U13/14
Minimum four matches per team
2 x 30-minute halves
$57 per player
FQ Academy League 3, 4 & Community teams accepted
U9 boys & U9/10 girls Age Groups
2 Oct - 4 Oct 2026
Boys: U9
Girls: U9/10
Minimum four matches per team
2 x 25-minute halves
$63 per playerr
FQ Academy League 3, 4 & Community teams accepted