Football is expected to surge in popularity on the Sunshine Coast with key international matches to be contested in the region during the 2032 Games.
Kawana Football Club president Adam Sherry said the sport, known as ‘The World Game’, is already well-established in the area but local interest in it will go to another level before, during and after the Olympics and Paralympics.
“Hosting Olympic football on the Sunshine Coast is a fantastic opportunity for local players, families and supporters to experience world-class football in their own community,” he said.
“It gives our young players … the chance to see the game at its highest level and creates a unique connection between grassroots football and the global stage.”
It was announced, in 2021, that the region would likely host football matches during the Games, before it was revealed this year that the Sunshine Coast will have group stage and knockout matches.
Mr Sherry said local football fans were already looking forward to the occasion.
“There is a lot of excitement about the opportunity to see some of the world’s best players and nations competing locally,” he said.
“Our football community is looking forward to the atmosphere, the celebration of the game, and the inspiration it will provide to young players who dream of representing their country one day.”
He said the elimination matches would be of particular significance.
“The quarter finals are a significant stage of the tournament and will attract increased attention and interest,” he said.
“Having knockout matches on the Sunshine Coast highlights the importance of our region within the Olympic football competition and will create an even bigger experience for local fans and visitors.”
Mr Shelly said football was already a favourite pursuit around the region but hosting 2032 fixtures would increase its profile and attract more players and supporters.
“Football is one of the largest participation sports on the Sunshine Coast, with thousands of players involved across junior, youth and senior competitions each season, as well as a large number of coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters,” he said.
“Major events like the Olympics inspire participation.
“We would expect increased interest from young players, families and volunteers, which can only help grow the game locally. The Games will also showcase the strength of football on the Sunshine Coast and help attract new participants to clubs across the region.”
Matches will be contested at Sunshine Coast Stadium, which will be expanded to seat 10,000 spectators, at Bokarina. The venue will be a short walk from a planned train and metro vehicle station.
Mr Shelly said the stadium expansion would have significant benefits.
“We welcome the investment in sporting infrastructure.”
“The most important aspect is the long-term legacy for the community.
“Improved facilities, accessibility and spectator amenities will benefit local sport well beyond 2032 and help support future growth in football and other sports.”
A government statement said the region would be on the world stage.
“The (Sunshine Coast Stadium) venue is set to host football group stage and quarter-final matches during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, showcasing the Sunshine Coast to a global audience while leaving behind infrastructure local communities will enjoy for generations,” a government statement revealed.
Kawana FC is only about 700m from Sunshine Coast Stadium.
It is one of about 40 clubs around the region, with many of them involved in the Sunshine Coast Football association and others in the Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer Association.
It remains unclear whether the knockout matches will be part of the men’s or women’s Olympic competitions, the Paralympic competitions, or both.
Spain is the reigning men’s champion, while the United States is the current women’s champion. Australia failed to qualify for the men’s competition in 2024 while the women were eliminated in the group stage.
The Australian teams will automatically qualify for 2032 as hosts.
The men’s competition is for under-23s while the women’s is open age, paving the way for the popular Matildas to compete.
The Sunshine Coast could also host mountain biking, marathon, road cycling, open water sports and basketball preliminaries.
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