COOLUM Football Club officially opened their newly renovated clubhouse on Friday, March 6, and the weekend of all things football also served as the launch of their 2026 season.

The festivities kicked off from 5.30 pm with past and present players, coaches and Coolum’s football families in attendance for the ribbon-cutting formalities and games under lights.

The newly renovated clubhouse will now make it easier and more functional for the 140 female players to continue playing football with dedicated female changerooms – the rooms have been well overdue, with the first women’s team forming in 1975.

The clubhouse will also accommodate the growth of the club, with Coolum FC now one of the largest clubs on the Sunshine Coast, with a participation increase of 33 per cent in the last two years alone.

A Coolum FC spokesperson said that the new changerooms will make the club even more welcoming for girls and women.

“These facilities are a massive step forward for our club and will benefit our players, families and supporters for many years to come.

“Thank you to the volunteers, committee members, coaches, players and supporters who continue to make Coolum FC such a special club. Your time, effort and passion are what keep our community thriving.”

The renovations were made possible with joint funding from the Australian Government’s Play Our Way program, Football Queensland, and the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said he was delighted to attend the official opening.

“Congratulations to the Committee of the Coolum Dolphins Football Club for the outstanding work in upgrading their clubhouse.

“These upgraded facilities will help encourage more women and girls to play football, and I wish the club well for the start of the season.”

Sunshine Coast Council Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez was also there for the opening weekend celebrations.

“It’s always lovely to catch up with committee, and founding members as well as players, and this is an amazing upgrade that the club can be proud of – Go Dolphins!”

The new change rooms, amenities and upgraded outdoor area were built by local company ‘Quality First Constructions’.

For more information, please visit – www.coolumfc.com.au