Football teams around New Zealand and Australia will be able to launch their 2026 in style at the brand new CIC Summer 7s, at the finest football facility in Oceania. The new 7-a-side tournament for seniors, social and masters teams is an extension of the hugely successful Christchurch International Cup (CIC) for youth teams at the United Sport Centre in Christchurch.
“Over the past 10 years, the CIC has developed into the highlight of the season for youth teams from around the Pacific, so we think it’s about time to create a similar event for adult teams,” says Tournament Coordinator Paul Holocher.
The first edition of the new event will kick scheduled for January 16–18, 2026, is designed to blend competitive football with culture, music, food and tourism.
“We want to provide a memorable, fun experience for visiting teams, whatever the results on the field,” says Holocher.
He explains that the January tournament is timed for competitive teams to include in their pre-season build-up, while social and masters teams can use the matches to blow away some of the off-season cobwebs.
“The 7s format will make it easier to pull together an early season squad, guarantee more time on the ball and the smaller pitch size will limit the chance of early season niggles.”
CIC Summer 7s will welcome teams from across New Zealand and the wider Oceania region for three days of matches and exploring the Canterbury region. The tournament format will feature group play, knockout rounds, and a livestreamed championship final. There will be three tournament categories: Men’s Open (18+), Men’s Masters (35+), Social & Corporate Cup (18+).
“We’re excited to bring the CIC Summer 7s Adult Football Festival to Christchurch. Football is a game you can enjoy playing for your whole life, no matter what age," said Holocher.
“The 7-a-side format offers a fast-paced, inclusive playing experience that reflects the spirit of the game. Hosting it during the peak of summer makes it an ideal opportunity to combine sport, connection, and celebration in one of the country’s most vibrant regions.”
The CIC Summer 7s aims to become a fixture on the summer sporting calendar, offering a unique blend of high-level play and regional tourism.
For registration and more information, visit:
www.christchurchinternationalcup.com/cic-7s
Key Details:
What: CIC Summer 7s
When: January 16–18, 2026. Where: United Sports Centre, Christchurch, NZ
Who: Open to adult teams in 3 divisions:
Media Contact:
Paul Holocher, CIC Summer 7s Coordinator
academy@cufc.co.nz
www.christchurchinternationalcup.com
“Over the past 10 years, the CIC has developed into the highlight of the season for youth teams from around the Pacific, so we think it’s about time to create a similar event for adult teams,” says Tournament Coordinator Paul Holocher.
The first edition of the new event will kick scheduled for January 16–18, 2026, is designed to blend competitive football with culture, music, food and tourism.
“We want to provide a memorable, fun experience for visiting teams, whatever the results on the field,” says Holocher.
He explains that the January tournament is timed for competitive teams to include in their pre-season build-up, while social and masters teams can use the matches to blow away some of the off-season cobwebs.
“The 7s format will make it easier to pull together an early season squad, guarantee more time on the ball and the smaller pitch size will limit the chance of early season niggles.”
CIC Summer 7s will welcome teams from across New Zealand and the wider Oceania region for three days of matches and exploring the Canterbury region. The tournament format will feature group play, knockout rounds, and a livestreamed championship final. There will be three tournament categories: Men’s Open (18+), Men’s Masters (35+), Social & Corporate Cup (18+).
“We’re excited to bring the CIC Summer 7s Adult Football Festival to Christchurch. Football is a game you can enjoy playing for your whole life, no matter what age," said Holocher.
“The 7-a-side format offers a fast-paced, inclusive playing experience that reflects the spirit of the game. Hosting it during the peak of summer makes it an ideal opportunity to combine sport, connection, and celebration in one of the country’s most vibrant regions.”
The CIC Summer 7s aims to become a fixture on the summer sporting calendar, offering a unique blend of high-level play and regional tourism.
For registration and more information, visit:
www.christchurchinternationalcup.com/cic-7s
Key Details:
What: CIC Summer 7s
When: January 16–18, 2026. Where: United Sports Centre, Christchurch, NZ
Who: Open to adult teams in 3 divisions:
- Men’s Open (18+)
- Men’s Masters (35+)
- Social & Corporate Cup (18+)
- Format: Up to 16 teams per category | Group Stage → Knockouts → Streamed Finals
- Team Size: Up to 14 players per squad
- Entry Fee: $795 per team
- Save $100 with Early Bird Discount: $695 per team (before 1 September 2025)
Media Contact:
Paul Holocher, CIC Summer 7s Coordinator
academy@cufc.co.nz
www.christchurchinternationalcup.com
