Wollongong is set to host the largest representative Touch Football carnival in the world. The NSW Touch Associations (NSWTA) Junior State Cup is being hosted in the seaside city south of Sydney and has again seen an increase in participants. The 2006 event will see a new benchmark with a record 285 teams taking part.
Organisers are hoping for kind conditions after those of 2005. "Last year was tough, the dangerous electrical storm we suffered late on Saturday and then again on Sunday played havoc with the event. The decision to cancel the finals on Sunday afternoon and declare joint premiers was one of the toughest I have had to make." stated NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell. "With this year's event our fingers are crossed for a pleasant weekend" he added.
The growth of the event reflects the current growth pattern of juniors in the sport. "It's fantastic to have such large numbers of children playing the event, it does pose us problems in our current format, but what a great problem to have." stated Russell. "This is a positive result for the future of the game that we must continue to capitalise on" he added. "The advent of junior programs such as Austouch will surely help the development of the game amongst youth."
The Wollongong community would also receive a positive benefit from the Junior State Cup being held in their city "We view these tournaments as partnerships with the local community and with up to 10000 participants, officials and family expected, the 2 day event will certainly provide an enormous financial boost to the area" Russell commented.
All of the Touch community is eagerly awaiting the announcement of the future of the event which current tender is up following this year's carnival. However Russell would not be drawn on the future. "We have met with the three vying bid committees and all have presented the Board with valid reasons to host the event." Is all the General Manager would say on the matter?
The event will take place this weekend, February 18/19, at Thomas Dalton Park, Charters Lane, Fairy Meadow and is played in both boys and girls divisions from U/10's through to U/18's involving teams form all over NSW.
Event Statistic's:
Draws and times can be found at www.nswtouch.com.au
285 teams over 10 divisions, 5 boys and 5 girls.
Five age groups U/10, U/12, U/14, U/16 and U/18
Up to 10,000 players, officials, participants and parents are expected to attend over the weekend.
2006 is the 11th year of the event.
Teams from as far north as Ballina, south as Wagga Wagga and Griffith and west as Dubbo, Parks and Orange
Over 750 games over two days
27 fields running concurrently
The Worlds largest Touch Tournament
All and any enquiries can be directed to Dean Russell -General Manager 0417 242 989 or via email generalmanager@nswtouch.com.au" target="_blank">generalmanager@nswtouch.com.au
