ROSEWOOD United Soccer Club president Tammy Crawford has every reason for her club to continue hosting the Country Challenge Cup carnival at Thagoona.

After her club offered to run last year’s inaugural event and made it a huge success, the latest carnival again attracted 800 players, coaches and spectators for 30 junior matches.

Boys and girls under 10 to under 13 teams from the locally-based West Zone tackled sides from three different Sunshine Coast regions on a huge day of soccer to end the Queensland Christian Soccer Association season.

While the focus was on fun, Tammy said the carnival at Caledonian Park provided skill development as boys teams played girls sides along with matches between the same genders.

“The competition is all finished now so this was just a big get-together before they start again,” Tammy said.

“It brings them all together.”

Under 11 boys soccer players gained valuable experience against under-13 girls. Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Tammy said the Rosewood club was happy to stage the carnival again next year, having provided the last round of friendly games before a break.

“The Sunshine Coast have their own [carnival] in the middle of the year – a Sunshine Cup – and then we get the end one and they all love it coming down here,” she said.

Another positive for the Rosewood club was having two playing surfaces still in excellent condition despite challenging weather conditions in recent months.

“The fields are looking beautiful,” she said.

Under 11 West Zone boys players displayed plenty of speed against under-13 girls defenders. Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Rosewood club players, coaches and officials will celebrate their successful year at next month’s break-up.

Sunshine Coast teams dominated the four different age groups at the latest carnival.

Carnival winners

Under 10: Sunshine Coast North and South (joint champions).

Under 11 boys/U13 girls: Sunshine Coast North

Under 12: Sunshine Coast South

Under 13: Sunshine Coast North