WinterFest to Make Its Return to the Sunshine Coast in July

Avatar
Image Credit: Football Queensland Website

Football Queensland is thrilled to announce its return of WinterFest to the Sunshine Coast from Wednesday, 2nd July to Sunday, 6th July 2025.

The state’s largest junior carnival will be set to welcome over 2000 footballers, being delivered in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine while featuring Under 9 and Under 11 boys and girls teams from across Queensland.

The event offers a platform for emerging athletes to showcase their skills and potential while also providing FQ coaches with opportunities to track the development of players.

WinterFest provides a professional environment for players to compete while also developing the next generation of referees.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci commented on the upcoming event, highlighting its significance in junior football.

“After the success of previous editions, we’re excited to announce the return of WinterFest25, welcoming our most promising developing young talent from all regions across the state to the Sunshine Coast in July 2025,” he said via press release.

“WinterFest provides a unique opportunity for players to compete in a professional setting while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Sunshine Coast, renowned for its world-class facilities and natural beauty.   

“WinterFest25 not only gives players valuable exposure but also helps develop the next generation of elite referees. With support from experienced officials and FQ staff, these emerging referees gain essential matchday experience, contributing to Queensland’s football growth at all levels.”

Sunshine Coast Strong Economy Councillor, Terry Landsberg, emphasised the Sunshine Coast Council’s commitment to providing these opportunities for young athletes.

“Football Queensland has chosen to host the five-day event on the Sunshine Coast, and we are proud to support the juniors and their families coming here for the state’s biggest football carnival,” he said via press release.

“This is especially significant as the Sunshine Coast is a Co-Host City for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are proposed to host nine Olympic and Paralympic events, including preliminary football matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

“These gifted youngsters have the potential to represent Australia in the near future.”

Visitors to WinterFest will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Sunshine Coast’s diverse range of experiences, events, and attractions.

To find out more details on WinterFest, click here.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

Avatar
Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

Avatar
Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend