In collaboration with UQ Life, UQ Sport launched the first 5-a-Side Football tournament, open to all UQ students for free. The tournament was a great success, riding on the wave of Australia’s football craze after the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Twenty-eight teams in both men’s and women’s categories battled it out for cash prizes on the night.

The group stage was all fun and games, with high-scoring matches opening the event. A handful of teams that have built years of chemistry from playing Social Soccer at UQ Sport fared well over the tournament, entertaining audiences with flair and skill. When the semi-finals started, competition rose to a new level with Jim’s Mowing FC⁠ and The Goal Diggers⁠ showing promising signs of going all the way. However, the competitive spirit of Tiki Taka spurred them to victory in the Men’s grand final, with the winners of the Women’s competition, 5-a-Side Fanatics, winning with absolute dominance.

Football lovers from different nations were able to enjoy the atmosphere on campus with a live DJ, food trucks and a halftime challenge to entertain the crowds.

Football participant Rameez was impressed by the cultural representation at the event, stating “There are people here from every country, Africa, Norway, Holland and everyone coming together to play the world’s beautiful game. This is part of the University experience for me, seeing people from different backgrounds coming together.”

Spectator Kelly said, “I love events like this with good music, good vibes and sport coming all together.”

Football participant, Jasper said “We’ve brought the whole college family down to campus tonight to cheer us on and I am loving it. So good to have this kind of event on campus, I’m already excited for the next one.”