THREE Bayside-based football clubs have learned their group-stage opponents for the 2026 Kappa Pro Series, while Wynnum Wolves FC has also announced a new international partnership with a leading New Zealand football club.
In next year’s competition, Wynnum Wolves have been drawn in Group F, where they will face Lions FC, Ipswich FC and St George FC.
Capalaba FC will compete in Group D alongside Caboolture Sports Club, Brisbane City and Moreton City Excelsior, while Redlands United have been placed in Group E with Gold Coast Knights, Olympic FC and Robina City.
Match dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.
The Kappa Pro Series is a knockout tournament involving NPL Men, FQPL 1 Men, and FQPL 1 and 2 Women’s teams from across Queensland.
It runs throughout the year alongside regular league fixtures, providing players with additional match time and the chance to face varied opposition.
Teams are seeded and grouped into pools for the opening stage, with pool winners advancing to the finals.
The 2026 edition will mark the fourth year of the competition, returning with a refreshed format and a focus on fostering player development across the state’s top leagues.
On the field, Wolves have unveiled new signing Joe Duckworth from Lions FC to replace retiring midfield maestro, Naoki Maeda, who has returned to Japan.
Meanwhile, off the field, Wynnum Wolves have strengthened their international ties through a new Strategic Partnership Agreement with Christchurch United Football Club in New Zealand.
The agreement aims to advance football development for players and staff at both clubs through regular technical workshops, knowledge sharing, and exchange programs.
It also includes plans for Wynnum’s first team to travel to Christchurch in January 2026 for a four-day visit and two pre-season friendlies to officially launch the partnership.
Wynnum Wolves FC Football Director Richard Greer said the collaboration built on a strong relationship formed when Christchurch United visited Brisbane earlier this year.
“We are both very like-minded clubs when it comes to player and coach development,” Greer said.
“Now that the formal partnership is in place, we’ll be working closely to build many exciting player and coach exchange opportunities between our two clubs.”
Christchurch United’s Head of Coaches and Methodology Paul Holocher said the partnership represented a valuable connection between Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re delighted to partner with Wynnum Wolves FC, a club that shares our values, vision and deep commitment to youth development,” he said.
“This partnership forms an exciting bridge between New Zealand and Australia, enabling both clubs to exchange knowledge, align methodology, and build meaningful development opportunities across the Oceania region.”
Both clubs also plan to support football development in the Pacific by building on existing relationships – Wynnum with the Solomon Islands and Christchurch United with Vanuatu.
