Football, Family, Fun

With Mackay Wanderers Football Club

Mackay Wanderers Football Club is stepping into the 2026 season with strong momentum, inviting families, players and football fans to connect with the club at the upcoming Mackay Regional Council Sport and Rec Expo.

A key highlight for the club is its recent achievement of Football Queensland’s Tier 2 (T2) Club rating – a significant endorsement that places Mackay Wanderers F C in elite company and sets a new benchmark for football development in the region. The club is currently the only football club between Townsville and Bundaberg to hold this status.

“We’re the only club between Townsville and Bundaberg that has a T2 rating, which means we’re able to have higher levels of coaching and higher accreditation,” Club President Greg Kliese said.

Tier 2 status requires all coaches across the club to meet minimum accreditation standards for their specific age groups. This ensures players receive consistent, high-quality coaching at every stage of their football journey, from grassroots through to senior competition, while also strengthening long-term development across the club.

For players with aspirations beyond local competition, the accreditation also creates stronger pathways into representative football, offering opportunities to be identified and invited to progress at higher levels.

At this year’s Expo, Mackay Wanderers F C will focus on making football fun and accessible for families. An inflatable activity will be available for kids, while club members will be on hand to provide information, answer questions and help new players and parents learn more about joining the club.

The club prides itself on being a welcoming, family-focused organisation that caters for both men and women, and boys and girls from as young as five years old through to senior competition.

“We’re definitely a family club and we take pride in being a welcoming and inclusive club,” Mr Kliese said.

In a regional community where sport plays a vital role in connection, health and wellbeing, the club continues to champion football as a way to build confidence, friendships and teamwork.

“Practice is what helps you enjoy the game,” Mr Kliese said. “The better you are at playing, the more you enjoy it, and you can’t become good at the game without practice. Learning to enjoy training and working with your teammates is a big part of what we’re all about here.”

Looking ahead, the club will also celebrate a major milestone in 2026, with its Junior Carnival marking its 10th year. Held on Sunday 2 August, the carnival is one of the largest junior football events in Queensland, attracting teams and families from across the state.

Offering elite accreditation, proven development pathways and a family-first culture, Mackay Wanderers F C invites locals to connect at the Expo and explore how football can become part of their family’s future.

Visit the club’s website or pop in at the Expo to learn more!

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