The event was organised by Global Games, which runs sports festivals and tournaments, mainly in rugby, rugby league, netball and football, for kids around the country.
Founder Tyrone Campbell says the one-day event, which involved boys and girls from years 5 to 8, was focused on teamwork, sportsmanship and participation rather than results.
"One of the coolest parts of the day was seeing kids who’d never played football before, out there smiling, giving it a go and being encouraged by their mates," Campbell says.
He owed a "massive thanks" to local football coach Jamie Whitmarsh for delivering the event alongside Global Games and the Queenstown Football Club.
"He put a huge amount of work into the day, and it was awesome seeing so many local kids out there enjoying themselves."
Campbell says he expects the event to become an annual fixture, and the first of more free community events put on by his organisation.
Fifteen years after setting up Global Games, he recently set up its head office in Queenstown, and has already arranged coaching clinics here with former pro football player and long-time NZ representative Hannah Wilkinson, a visit by rugby coach Joe Schmidt to meet local coaches, and a new international football tournament.
It’s also set to bring two-time Rugby World Cup winner Sarah Hirini to the resort later this year.
