REDLANDS will once again welcome the excitement of the Queensland Touch Football Junior State Cup, with Redland City Council and Queensland Touch Football confirming the region as host for the 2026 and 2028 tournaments.
The 2026 Junior State Cup will take place from Thursday, July 9 to Saturday, July 11, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the event – a testament to the growth and success of touch in Queensland.
The 2024 tournament provided an estimated economic benefit of more than $5.6 million to the Redlands Coast and surrounding areas.
Nearly a quarter of surveyed participants stayed for four nights.
The 2024 event featured more than 250 teams, 3310 competitors, 296 referees, 683 coaches and managers and daily attendances of more than 12000 people.
It not only showcases the state’s best young athletes aged 8-18 but also provides a welcome boost to local businesses, highlighting Redlands Coast as a premier destination for major sporting events.
Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce President Suzie Tafolo said the tournament would deliver a significant windfall for the region.
“With more than 12,000 visitors expected, this is a massive shot in the arm for our local cafes, restaurants, shops and tourism operators,” Ms Tafolo said.
“But businesses need to be ready – with the staff, the stock, and clear communication so visitors know what’s on offer.”
She said major events like the Junior State Cup were about more than a short-term sales spike.
“Events of this scale boost confidence, attract investment, and put Redlands Coast firmly on the map,” Ms Tafolo said.
“They highlight opportunities, but also the urgent need for more accommodation if we want to fully capture the benefits.”
After successfully hosting the 2024 event, Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said securing the competition’s return was a major win for the local community.
“We know that in 2024, this event had a huge impact on our local area and on skills development for our youth, which was fantastic,” she said.
“It attracted about 12,000 visitors each day over the three days, and involved a huge effort from everyone, including the 29 affiliates who joined in.
“We are now extremely excited to welcome the event back to Redlands for 2026 and 2028.
“We know it will bring enormous benefits to our local community – not only for the sport itself, but also for local businesses, tourism, and the broader economy.”
Queensland Touch Football CEO Greg Denny described the return of the State Cup as a milestone for the sport.
“We were lucky enough to host the event last year at Redlands and it was extremely successful,” he said.
“This is our 30th year from humble beginnings in 1996 with just 50 teams to the size and scale of the event today.
“We had 255 teams at Rocky (Rockhampton) this year, and I’ve no doubt next year’s event will surpass 260, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we move up to 280 teams.
“We get lots of kids that start our sport, start the journey at under 10s and under 12s, and we really want to make sure this is a wonderful experience that they have, and they can be part of this for the nine years or so that they’ll play in the Junior Cup.”
QTF Ambassador and NRLW Brisbane Broncos representative Tamika Upton reflected on the event’s importance for aspiring athletes.
“I always played this growing up; I was coached by my mum and dad, and my brother’s still playing it,” she said.
“So, it’s a very special carnival, and it really highlights the touch community.”
Australian Women’s Open Captain Kim Sue-See echoed those sentiments.
“The Queensland Junior State Cup was always one of the largest and most enjoyable carnivals growing up,” she said.
“Having played for nine years and now only recently coming back in a coaching capacity, it is incredible to see the calibre of growth not just in the number of participants but also the talent that is coming through.”
Redlands Touch Coaching Director and Australian Men’s representative Adam Pryde said the Junior State Cup had always been a highlight of his playing and coaching career.
“The Junior State Cup for me – growing up, it was the tournament I looked forward to each year,” he said.
“I played every year from when I was 10 or 11, and since ageing out, I’ve been involved for many years coaching.
“It’s the event that brings groups of people together, and it’s always circled on the calendar each year.”
What is Touch Football?
TOUCH football, commonly just called “touch”, is a fast-paced, minimal-contact sport derived from rugby league.
Instead of tackling, players stop their opponents by touching them with their hand on any part of the body, clothing, or ball.
Teams are made up of six players on the field at a time, with rolling subs allowed.
Games are usually short and high-scoring, demanding speed, agility, and teamwork.
