A pre-lockdown Wednesday night carnival at Maroochydore has helped unite the football community on the Sunshine Coast.
Representative teams from the region’s two biggest football associations – Sunshine Coast Football and Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer Association – converged for the recent event.
SCF board-member Chris Dunk said it was a breakthrough occasion.
“We’re both playing the same game, but we cater for two lots of kids, and this was a chance to have a really big get-together,” he said.
“It was a great opportunity for the kids. It gave them a chance to play against each other and gauge where they are.”
Mr Dunk said it had been almost 30 years since the two associations last met in earnest.
“In the early 90s, we sort of got together and then it fizzled out,” he said.
But Mr Dunk and SCF’s rep program co-ordinator Scott Grimshaw, and SCCSA president Tim Wolens, decided it was time for the groups to re-connect.
Teams from under-12 to under-18 were involved, contesting nine games under lights.
“It was a good opportunity for the Sunshine Coast (Football) community teams to prepare for a state competition at the end of the year, which will also be at Maroochydore,” Mr Dunk said.
“And the Churches (rep) teams train all year for two competitions, so it was a good chance for them to have a go,” he said.
The two associations have about 10,000 players combined, with about 6000 members at SCF and about 4000 at SCCSA.
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Mr Dunk didn’t rule out the possibility the two groups could form a more serious partnership in the future.
“If we were under one banner, the benefits would probably be better politically,” he admitted.
“We’re sharing the pie at the moment … but you never know.”
He said a range of issues, including funding, would need to be amended for any sort of permanent relationship to form.
“There are a lot of things that go into it.
“At this stage we look at this carnival as an opportunity for the kids to play each other and enjoy their football.
“And hopefully, we’ll run (inter-association) games more often.
“Our plan for the future is to bring the Sunshine Coast Fire and Sunshine Coast Wanderers in for games too.”
The Fire and Wanderers compete in Queensland competitions.
Mr Dunk said the local football community was abuzz after the announcement the 2032 Olympics would be held in the region, with preliminary round football matches bound for the Sunshine Coast.
“We’ve got 11 years to make sure our facilities are up to standard,” he said.
“Sunshine Coast Stadium is going to need more seats.”
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He said there should be a boost in interest for the sport.
“I reckon it will be huge for football here.
“If you are in primary school or early high school now then you could be someone who could be there, (playing football at the 2032 Games) in the future.
“There’s 11 years for us to look after these kids, and there could be some of them putting their boots on to play at the next level.”
Mr Dunk said there should be increased numbers of football players on the Sunshine Coast in years to come anyway, due to the rapid population growth.
“There are more schools, more football fields, we’ve got natural growth, he said.
“Baringa (Football Club) joined our association two years ago and it will get bigger and bigger. It’s going to be fantastic.”
