Touch Footy enthusiasts may be familiar with the Cridland name. But what some may not know is that before Justin began representing Australia, his father Kevin had already built an extensive resume in Touch Football. After taking up the sport in his 30s, Kevin Cridland has seen just about everything Touch Footy has to offer. From travelling the world to cheer on his son to helping inspire the next generation of Touch Footy superstars, he has seen it all.
As our Volunteer of the Month for June, we caught up with Gladstone Junior Touch Football Life Member Kevin to talk about his journey in Touch Football, where his passions lie and his excitement for the sports’ future.
Can you tell us how you became involved in Touch Football?
I was a bit of a late bloomer so to speak. I didn’t pick up the sport until my 30s, just playing with some mates at the local park. I ended up loving it and got involved with Gladstone Touch. I eventually started coaching the junior teams and taking them to carnivals like Queensland Junior State Cup. Over the years, I’ve also served as club president for 10 years and am currently the Vice President. As well as coaching I’m still heavily involved in the running of the junior competitions which I love. I've got three sons who all play as well whilst my wife and I still play in the mixed competition today.
I’ve also gotten involved with Touch Football Australia, where my wife and I volunteer at their events. A few years back, one of my sons was playing for the University of Queensland Rebels and at the time they were advertising for event staff for NTLs (The Championships). We were already heading down to Coffs Harbour, so we figured, why not?
What do you enjoy/love the most about Touch Football?
The social atmosphere - you meet so many people and make lasting friendships out of it. When I travel to events, it's a great chance to meet new faces and catch up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while. When you go away to a Touch Footy carnival it’s like a massive reunion, catching up with people you don’t see all year. It’s like being part of a big family and now that I’m retired, it’s something that keeps me busy and helps me stay active.
You wear many hats, what element do you enjoy the most?
My true passion lies in coaching junior Touch Footy. I get so much joy out of helping the kids develop their skills and watching them grow. I typically coach the Under 10s and Under 12s teams and support the Gladstone representative sides when they travel for Junior State Cup. What I really love is being able to meet new people and make new friends. Every year I get to coach new players and meet new parents. I’ve gotten to the stage now where some of the girls I used to coach are now bringing their own kids to play. It really adds to that family atmosphere. I think I get as much joy coaching the kids as they do playing!
What is your favourite memory or moment in the game?
I’ve felt very proud watching my son make it to the elite level of the sport. We’ve been lucky enough to watch Justin play for Australia many times. One of my favourite moments was travelling to Nottingham, England with my wife to watch Justin compete at the Touch World Cup. Being there in person to watch him and the country compete was extremely special – a long way from my days of playing touch at the local park!
Closer to home, I’ve also been lucky enough to play alongside my whole family in Mixed Touch. At the social comp here in Gladstone myself, my wife and my three sons all played together on the same team in a Grand Final. There’s not many other sports where you can say mum, dad and the kids played a Grand Final together. It just goes back to show the whole family atmosphere and social aspect.
What have been the biggest advancements in the sport in your opinion?
It’s in the juniors and their skills. When I first started coaching, rep Touch didn’t really start until under 14s. There were some opportunities for under 12s buts that’s where it ended. Now I go to carnivals and the skill level of the 10s and 12s divisions are insane. They’re also getting faster and faster! With these kids getting into Touch earlier, the games’ only going to get better. Now they start at a younger age, and it shows once they reach Opens level. It’s great to see.
Congratulations Kevin and thanks again for your commitment and dedication towards our sport.
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