The Brisbane Punjabi Community Club hosted its fifth annual soccer tournament at the Souths United Football Club in Runcorn, drawing more than 5,000 players and spectators over the weekend.
The non-profit club, established in 2009 to bring people from Punjab and other parts of India together through sport, has seen its tournament grow from a one-day event to a two-day competition in recent years.
This year’s event featured matches across multiple divisions, including Open Men’s, Over 40s, and Juniors, with junior age groups ranging from under 8s to under 16s, as well as an under 15s girls’ category. Teams from across Brisbane and nearby regions competed, including Brisbane Youth & Sports Club, Logan Punjabi Community & Sports Club, Springfield Sports & Culture Club, Majha Youth Club, New Farm Punjab Club, North Brisbane Punjabi Club, and Singh Sabha Brisbane.
For the first time, the tournament welcomed an interstate team—Western Khalsa Sydney—marking a new phase of expansion for the competition.
The winning junior teams received $500 in prize money, along with trophies and medals, while runners-up took home $250. All girls’ teams received $200, with their entry fees waived. The Open Men’s Division offered the biggest prizes, with winners earning $3,200, runners-up $2,100, and the best player receiving $1,200.
Across the two days, around 60 matches were played, with the community turning out in full support. The event also became a social gathering, with traditional Punjabi food and tea served throughout the weekend—from hot masala chai and bread pakora to bhaji pakora and Guru Ka Langar. Many stayed back after the finals each evening to share dinner together.
The organisers said the total cost of running the tournament was around $100,000, largely funded through contributions from within the club and local supporters.
With strong participation and growing interest, the club plans to make next year’s tournament even bigger, inviting more teams from across Australia to take part.
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