A flagship of the national Touch Football calendar, The Championships return to Coffs Harbour this week for a fourteenth consecutive year, unveiling a refreshed event format.
Following an extensive review process supported by consultation with key stakeholders, the adult championship event has been restructured to better balance participation growth with pathway development, while enhancing the overall experience for both participants and spectators.
The 2026 event will mark a return to a four-day schedule, alongside revised game lengths and updated permission and eligibility rules for teams and players. An external consultant has also been engaged to lead a detailed, independent review of the event, which will help inform its long-term future in an aligned, whole-of-sport approach. Touch Football Australia (TFA) has also led focused groups and conducted interviews with community members, ensuring a robust approach as part of the event’s comprehensive review.
Coffs Harbour and New South Wales are expected to benefit from a significant $5 million economic boost this week, with the event’s anticipated return generating vibrant participation and engagement, welcoming almost 150 teams to the Mid-North Coast.
The national event continues to bring together the Touch Football community, featuring athletes across divisions from 20s to 65s, and welcoming new entrants, including the Fremantle Rebels from Western Australia and the locally based Macksville Falcons.
An increase to twenty-five divisions, including an additional All Abilities tier and a new Women’s 55s division, highlights the sustained growth and inclusivity of the sport as TFA’s partnership with the region continues to flourish.
TFA Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Ashcroft said:
“Coffs Harbour has become synonymous with The Championships, and the event’s return for a fourteenth consecutive year reflects the strength of our partnership with the region.
“Our national flagship event will feature a refreshed format this year as part of our ongoing review, and I would like to thank the Touch Football community for their contributions to the conversation so far.”
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams said:
“The 2026 Championships is a premier tournament, so it’s fitting to stage this showpiece at our C.ex Coffs International Stadium and the co-located fields at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.
“Our ability to host this mega-event at a single well-equipped precinct creates a unique and welcoming atmosphere for the athletes, officials, their families and fans.
“We also have all the extras for off-field satisfaction, from our beaches and shopping through to major tourist attractions and the full range of accommodation options – it's no wonder Coffs has become the home of Touch Football.”
Event Details
The Championships 2026 will be held at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, from Wednesday, 4 March to Saturday, 7 March 2026.
Entry is free and all spectators are welcome.
Fans can watch the event exclusively live and free on the BarTV website or app.
The Championships is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, alongside City of Coffs Harbour.
