2025 Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup: Athelite Australian Emus to Watch

This May, the next crop of elite Touch Footballers will announce themselves on the international stage, with the second edition of the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup (APYTC) set to take place in Redcliffe, Queensland. The Athelite Australian Emus teams will all be looking to reclaim their respective titles earned two years ago, with a plethora of talent ready to breakthrough. Amidst a sea of emerging stars of the game in a celebration of youth talent, here are just a few players to keep an eye out for.   

Mixed 18s – Emmanuel Lagos 

One of the key threats on offence for the Australian Mixed 18s side will be Emmanuel Lagos, with the agile middle having one of the best short balls in his age group. Whether it’s through a draw and pass option close to the line or bursting through from dummy half, the Sydney Mets representative has a special ability to create space close to the line. His nimble footwork can be utilised as a playmaker or ball runner. A difference maker in his side, the NSW Men’s 20s representative has already tasted success in his Touch career, with his Sydney Mets side crowned national champions last year in Coffs Harbour. In 2025, Emmanuel will be looking at add an APYTC trophy to his resume.  

18s Girls – Coco Marsters 

After representing the Cook Islands two years ago in Brisbane, Coco Marsters is set for her Australian debut this APYTC. A workhorse on both ends of the field, the New South Wales Combined High Schools representative has a high work-rate, evident by her drives up the field and defensive reliability. With ball in hand, her dynamic playmaking skills and swift footwork make her a constant threat, whether that’s putting her teammates into open space, or dancing around defenders closer to the line. The Manly Touch representative has steadily elevated her game over the years developing a deeper Touch Footy IQ. Now set for her first appearance in the green and gold, expect Coco to be a key threat for the Aussies in their pursuit of APYTC glory.  

18s Boys – Tamoko Berryman-Duff 

Following a massive 2024, Tamoko Berryman will be looking to continue that momentum heading into his first international tournament representing Australia. He’s no stranger to international Touch, scoring nine tries for the Cook Islands Men’s Open side who finished fourth in an impressive World Cup campaign last year. The NSW Men’s 20s representative also doesn’t shy away from the big moments, earning Player of the Final honours last October for the NSW Combined Independent Schools side as they were crowned national champions in the 18s Boys division at the DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC). A highly skilled player, the Northern Beaches representative boasts one of the strongest long balls in the division, while his short ball game is also highly impressive. A powerful player in the middle of the park, Tamoko Berryman-Duff is set to be a threat anytime he has the ball in his hands.  

20s Mixed – Maxwell Marsters

Maxwell Marsters is no stranger to international Touch Football, having served as captain of the 18s Mixed side two years ago in Brisbane. On that occasion, he helped lead his Athelite Australian Emus side to a 3-0 clean sweep over New Zealand to claim the inaugural APYTC title in the division. A key leader for this outfit, the Sydney Scorpions representative has always adopted a team-first mentality, willing to do the hard work in the middle of the park. Whether it’s driving up the field or making regular touches on defences, Max can always be counted on. In attack his speed and step are incredible. Whether it’s crossing the line himself or opening up spaces for his teammates, the Manly Touch representative is certainly going to cause headaches for opposition defences. Back in the green and gold, expect Maxwell to once again step up in the big moments this tournament. 

Women’s 20s – Zali Chippendale 

After serving as Vice Captain in the Mixed 18s side that were crowned champions two years ago, Zali is back in the green and gold with the Women’s 20s team. Agile and quick on her feet, the Hunter Western Hornets representative is expected to be heavily involved in the attack for the Aussies. From build-up play in the middle of the field, to pulling off the final pass to put her winger through, the Wallsend representative will be just about everywhere on the Touch Footy field, having showcased the composure and quick instincts to play what’s in front of her. A skilful player with ball in hand, look to the Indigenous All Stars representative to make her presence felt on the field this weekend.  

Men’s 20s – Blaise Prendergast 

Blaise Prendergast is back in the green and gold for the Athelite Australian Emus after helping bring home the Trans-Tasman Trophy last month in Christchurch. Representing the Mixed Open team, Blaise managed to cross the line once in his debut series, as Australia came back from a game 1 defeat to reclaim the series. With blistering speed and rapid footwork, the Queenslander is one of the best ball runners in this year’s Men’s 20s side. His footwork is also just as effective in the build-up play on attack, whether he’s bursting through from dummy half or creating gaps for his teammates to cross over. Evident by his performances at past NYCs and the 2023 APYTC, the Toowoomba Twisters junior does not shine away from the big occasion. Once again representing Australia on the international stage, look to once again deliver when the lights are shining the brightest.  

The 2025 Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup taps off May 15th. Tune in live and free on Kayo Sports (Australia), Sky (New Zealand), and Sky Sport Next (All other regions).