What started as a youth-led initiative to bring members together has grown into one of the most anticipated annual social clashes between neighbouring Clubs on the Sunshine Coast.
Known as The Sands, the friendly challenge between Coolum Beach SLSC and Peregian Beach SLSC has evolved from a simple sporting contest into a tradition built on connection, club pride and a healthy dose of rivalry.
From beach cricket to annual bragging rights
The idea first began around three years ago, driven by Coolum youth officer Rob Wildman, who was looking to create something more inclusive and socially engaging for younger members.
“Our youth officer at the time, Rob Wildman, was working in that sector and keen to encourage extra participation through making an uplifting and inviting space for our younger members,” Coolum explained.
Supported by Club leadership, the original event launched as a friendly cricket match under lights outside the Coolum clubhouse, complete with a symbolic trophy filled with sand collected from both beaches.
“The sands were represented in physical form in a treasured container picked from the shores of our beach and filled with sand from the Peregian and Coolum Beaches,” the Club said.
What began as a one-off youth activity quickly became something both Clubs wanted to keep returning to.
Friendly neighbours, fierce enough competitors
For Peregian, the event has become a valuable extension of an already positive relationship. “The relationship between our clubs is a long-standing positive one that is built on mutual respect,” Peregian said.
“While there’s a competitive edge on the day, it’s underpinned by a shared goal of creating opportunities for our youth members to connect, have fun, and represent their Clubs.”
That same sentiment is echoed by Coolum, who say every interaction with their neighbouring Club has only strengthened the bond between members.
“This event has helped to keep youth in both Clubs eager to be involved in surf, have fun and get to know one another,” Coolum said.
Rather than separating the two Clubs, The Sands has created familiarity, friendships and a rivalry that feels more playful than serious.
“The Sands has really strengthened that sense of being friendly neighbours rather than just competitors,” Peregian added.
More than who wins
While each year still comes with plenty of bragging rights attached, both Clubs agree the scoreboard is only one part of the day. This year’s event saw the format evolve again, with members opting for a mix of cricket and volleyball, keeping the competition fresh while preserving the same social spirit.
“It was a really close and competitive day across both cricket and volleyball,” Peregian reflected. “Our team showed great teamwork and spirit, but Coolum managed to get the edge in key moments.”
For Coolum, the win was enjoyed, but not nearly as much as the atmosphere around it.
“Loved watching the young ones in the competition hop off the court and then talk on the clubhouse couches, play ping pong and be dragged home as they didn’t want to go,” the Club said.
That post-game connection, shared BBQs and side-line encouragement have become just as much a part of The Sands as the competition itself.
“There’s always plenty of laughter, encouragement from the sidelines, and a real sense of community,” Peregian said. “It’s competitive without being overly serious.”
Youth at the centre
Both Clubs are clear on one thing: The Sands works because it belongs to the youth.
“The whole event would not have occurred if it weren’t for the enthusiasm of the youth who wanted to find a way for themselves to fit into Club social activities,” Coolum said.
Peregian agrees the event fills an important role in keeping younger members engaged.
“Events like The Sands give youth members something to look forward to that isn’t just training or patrols,” they said. “They play a huge role in engagement and retention because they make the club experience more enjoyable and memorable.”
By creating a space that combines competition, social connection and Club pride, the annual challenge has become far more than a sporting fixture.
The rivalry rolls on
Coolum may have reclaimed The Sands this year, but neither side is pretending the battle is over. “Not going to lie, our youngsters were hungry for the win,” Coolum admitted.
Peregian, meanwhile, are already looking ahead. Everyone wants to win, but the shared understanding remains the same: this is a rivalry built on camaraderie, not conflict.
And if the laughter, sideline banter and reluctant trips home are anything to go by, The Sands will continue changing hands between these friendly neighbours for many years yet.