Sport
26 October, 2026
Fantin Cup to mark anniversaries
FOR seven decades the Dimbulah Football club has been a sporting hub for the community where generations of players have given their best on Saturday game days, as family and friends cheer on the sideline, and then celebrate well into the night.
To mark the 70th anniversary, Dimbulah will be making this year’s Fantin Cup a special day of celebration, when the Mareeba Bulls, who have just celebrated their own 80th anniversary, join them at the field for this favourite football challenge.
To be held on Saturday at the Dimbulah football field, the Bruno Fantin Cup was created over four years ago by both of the clubs to pay tribute to one of the great characters of football, Bruno Fantin, a founding member of the Dimbulah Football Club.
It also pays tribute to the history of football on the Tablelands, where many Italian and other European migrants came to start new lives and build their communities.
The event has grown into a community highlight drawing a huge crowd that unites players, families and supporters from Dimbulah and Mareeba with a day of football, friendship, and a touch of nostalgia.
Many second and third generations of players, their names familiar, will be keen to get out on the field for their match on Saturday.
For Andre Soncin, who will be representing his old club Dimbulah alongside his brothers Fab and Sandro, it brings back memories of the World Youth Cup, which Australia hosted in 1981.
To promote the event, a relay was organised to carry a replica trophy to start from Dimbulah and finish in Brisbane and a 15-year-old Andre was the first runner to start the leg for this historic event.
It is one of the many great moments held at the Dimbulah club and organisers are urging everyone to come along and make more great times on Fantin Cup day.
“Share an afternoon and evening filled with memories, stories, laughter, good food, cold drinks and great company as we celebrate 70 years of football in Dimbulah.
“Whether you’ve pulled on the Barras jersey, coached from the sidelines, volunteered behind the scenes, cheered from the grandstand or simply called Dimbulah Football Club home – this celebration is for you.”
The Fantin Cup will begin at 4pm until late on Saturday, 31 October, with food and drink available and live entertainment from Shandell.
