Redlands Coast tourism and the local economy are set to benefit as thousands of junior touch footy players, coaches and supporters converge on the city from 9 July for the 2026 Queensland Touch Football Junior State Cup.
The event is set to bring 4400 participants and their supporters to the city for three days of competition at the Redland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park) and Henry Ziegenfusz Park in Cleveland.
Redlands Coast last hosted the Junior State Cup in 2024 and has been confirmed as the host for both this year’s carnival and the 2028 event, following an agreement between Queensland Touch Football and Redland City Council.
You may also like these stories
To support the event and activate the nighttime economy ahead of the carnival, Council will host a free outdoor movie and activity night at Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland, on Wednesday 8 July from 4pm.
The family-friendly event is open to both Junior State Cup attendees and the local community, featuring free kids’ activities, Twilight Makers Market food trucks, and a screening of Goat from 6pm.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said she was looking forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience the Junior State Cup on Redlands Coast.
“Council is proud to support events that provide an injection into the local economy and support kids from Redlands Coast and beyond to participate in the sport they love,” she said.
“Hosting the tournament will allow more people from regions such as Gladstone, Ipswich, Cairns and Rockhampton to explore the many fantastic attractions and experiences we have to offer in our naturally wonderful city.
“Queensland Touch Football have told us they’re expecting this year’s Junior State Cup to be the biggest ever in terms of participating teams, with 4400 players, referees and coaches set to take part over the three days of competition on our fields.
“The event is a great opportunity for young athletes, allowing them to have fun, stay active, and make new social connections, while also getting the opportunity to stake their claim for representative honours.
“This spirit of participation and healthy competition is what community sport is all about and why Council will continue supporting events that unlock valuable opportunities for our young people, local families, and the sport-loving community.”
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said there was no better place for matches to be held than at the home of Redlands Touch Association, which has developed thousands of local junior and senior touch players.
“This association has done so much for touch football on Redlands Coast over a number of decades, so it’s fitting that they will again be sharing the hosting responsibilities for this showpiece tournament, with other matches to be played at the nearby Henry Ziegenfusz Park,” he said.
“As the Economic Development portfolio representative, I’m also looking forward to the opportunities that hosting this event will bring for our local businesses, tourism operators, and accommodation providers.
“I’m especially excited about the opportunities it will present for Cleveland, with thousands of people expected to visit the Junior State Cup event precinct for each day of competition and about 24 fields to be in action across the two Council venues.
“The movie under the stars night at Raby Bay Harbour Park on 8 July is also a great boost for local operators and the nighttime economy in Cleveland.
“Our local touch teams have always performed well on the representative stage and I’m hopeful we will see more great young Redlands Coast talent unearthed on our home turf at this year’s event.”
Sport and Recreation portfolio representative Cr Jason Colley said that as well as providing economic and tourism benefits, the Junior State Cup would deliver a boost for sport on Redlands Coast.
“We are very quickly earning a name for ourselves as a go-to destination for sporting events, tournaments and carnivals,” he said.
“Hosting events of this scale gives great exposure to our local sporting associations and our sporting facilities, with this year’s Junior State Cup to put the spotlight firmly on Redlands Touch Association and their home fields at the Showgrounds.
“We have so many fantastic young touch footballers on Redlands Coast and this event will give them a chance to show their skills, have fun with their friends, and put their hand up for selection at a higher level.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Queensland Touch Football to bring the Junior State Cup to Redlands Coast and look forward to delivering a fantastic event together.”
