WinterFest26 brings talent and energy to Sunshine Coast
Football Queensland has confirmed that the state’s premier junior football carnival will return to the Sunshine Coast in 2026 as WinterFest welcomes players from every region for five days of competition.
Delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast, WinterFest will be held from Wednesday, 1 July to Sunday, 5 July at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC and will feature Under 9 to Under 11 Boys and Under 11 Girls teams from across the state.
Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said WinterFest brings enormous energy to the region — the USC and Buderim fields will be buzzing and the talent on show outstanding.
“These young players are the future of the game, and events like this play a key role in their development and we’re proud to support opportunities that inspire young athletes and strengthen community sport,” Cr Landsberg said.
“As we move closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, these experiences are invaluable for aspiring athletes — and equally important for boosting local tourism and supporting our businesses during the winter period.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visiting families and hope they enjoy our incredible coastline, attractions and local hospitality.”
FQ General Manager – Football, Infrastructure & Club Development Ryan Fett said WinterFest was always a highlight of our statewide football calendar as we see FQ Academy teams from every region gather on the beautiful Sunshine Coast to test their skills against their peers.
“The carnival plays an important role in nurturing not only our most promising young players, who can showcase their abilities in front of FQ Technical staff who continue to monitor their ongoing development, but also our cohort of emerging referees from across Queensland who gain valuable matchday experience with the support of more experienced officials and FQ staff,” Mr Fett said.
“This year we’re excited to host WinterFest at a new venue, the University of the Sunshine Coast, as we continue to elevate the event experience for participants and families.
“The Sunshine Coast will continue to provide the perfect backdrop to the tournament as attendees take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches and many local attractions alongside the on-field action.
“Thank you to Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast for their ongoing support of WinterFest; we look forward to partnering with them again this year to deliver a memorable event for visitors from across Queensland.”
This event is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council through the Major Events Sponsorship Program. This program helps deliver the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy, which aims to generate $86 million in economic benefit for the region through increased visitation and local spending.