Premier Invitational

WORDS: Andy Robinson PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Australia’s biggest football (soccer) tournament of 2022 is set to see almost 300 teams converge on the Gold Coast.

THE Premier Invitational tournament will bring the best teams from around Australia together for a football (soccer) festival.

Teams have been competing in state and regional tournaments known as the Pre-Season Championship Cup and a Diamond League series around Australia, organised by The Magic Group.

The Premier Invitational is a national and international event that allows all teams to come together. The tournament has previously hosted touring teams from the US and New Zealand.

The competition was established in 2012 by Magic United to bring junior players together. The first event featured 32 teams made up of Under 8s and Under 9s.

Ten years on, the tournament will host almost 300 teams, making it Australia’s biggest football (soccer) tournament of 2022.

The tournament now covers Under 8s to Under 16s for boys and Under 10 to Under 16s for the girls. Close to 50 girls’ teams will compete in the tournament, proof of the continuing growth of the girls’ game. With Australia and New Zealand set to co-host the Women’s World Cup in 2023, it is an exciting time for girls and women around the world.

The tournament will be played across four venues. The format of fixtures and the structure of the event gives players and spectators a great opportunity to take in the sights and the facilities on the Gold Coast. The event also allows for players and travel companions to visit many of the attractions the Gold Coast is famous for – not just the tournament itself.

National sponsors are now getting behind Magic Group Events, with Diamond Sports (Apparel) now the Platinum Sponsor and iNSPIRETEK (wellness) a silver sponsor.

Tourism Events Queensland will support the event for a third year and Major Events Gold Coast returns for its second year of supporting The Premier Invitational.

Accor has also worked alongside the tournament organisers to provide accomodation solutions and Black & White Cabs will provide transport assistance. Experience Oz is giving visitors experience opportunities from the Hinterland to the beaches, shopping and theme parks. Village Roadshow has provided the winners of the competitions entry to their exceptional venues which include Movie World, Wet and Wild, Sea World and Outback Spectacular.

Families who can’t attend will still be able to taste what the tournament has to offer. Veo will assist with the recording of the games and will live stream some matches. InSport TV will host and give all the opportunity to watch pre-recorded games at a later date.

More than 170 teams took part in 2021. The 2021 IER survey conducted on behalf of Tourism Events Queensland estimated the tournament’s economic benefit to the city at more than $1.3 million. With close to 300 teams participating this time around, Magic United hopes to surpass an economic benefit to the region of more than $3 million.

Magic United encourages any companies who would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities to contact the tournament organisers.

 

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

FROM little things, big things grow. That is certainly the case with the Premier Invitational, which has grown over the past decade to become the premier football tournament in Australia.

Expect incredible action on the field, great rivalry between the 300-plus teams and an enthusiastic band of supporters cheering on their competition favourites across nine days of competition.

As Mayor, I’m delighted to see our world-class city venues activated for the Invitational. Post the GC2018 Commonwealth Games, we have worked hard to improve our city’s reputation as a place to play sport and conduct business when it comes to areas such as sports science, nutrition, administration and coaching.

Today, we have six major sports hubs – from Coomera to Coolangatta – all offering incredible facilities and spectator support.

The Invitational is a time for on-field action, but I encourage visitors to spend a few extra days soaking up our hospitality – from fine dining restaurants to theme parks, nature trails and the majestic Broadwater.

It’s all yours to explore, so pack up the football boots after competition and get out and about across the magical Gold Coast. See you there.

Tom Tate

Mayor

 

TOURISM SPORT AND INNOVATION MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Welcome to the Premier Invitational, a highlight on the It’s Live in Queensland events calendar and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Gold Coast as a tourism destination.

The Gold Coast community is grateful to welcome visitors who fill their cafes and restaurants, stay in their accommodation, use local transport and explore our unique tourism experiences.

That’s why we support events through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program – because they bring a welcome boost to the local community and support local jobs.

Events like the Premier Invitational allow friends and family to reconnect and create community pride. We hope you enjoy your stay and return again in the near future.

Be sure to immerse yourself in the local culture and get the opportunity to explore some of our world-class tourism experiences in this beautiful region.

Congratulations to the event organisers and volunteers – we wish you all the best for a successful event.

Stirling Hinchliffe MP,
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Innovation and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement