When Touch Football visited Ali Curung in the Northern Territory, local students were keen to give it a go. The visit gave them the chance to learn the game, spend time with others and enjoy being active in a relaxed setting.
Ali Curung is about 380 kilometres north of Alice Springs. Touch Football Australia’s Regional Development Lead, Shilo Monkland, recently visited the community to introduce the sport to students and discuss ways they could keep playing. Working with teacher Pfungwa Ndlovu and staff at Alekarange School, Shilo ran the students through their first Touch Football session and saw plenty of interest in continuing the sport.
Students got involved from the start. They moved from passing drills into games, picked up the basics quickly and enjoyed working together and trying something new.
Finding a Way to Play
In regional and remote communities, making sport happen often means working with what is available. The school has limited sporting facilities, so the session was held on an old, overgrown softball diamond instead of a standard field. The surface was not ideal, but that did not stop anyone from taking part.
Students and staff simply made the most of the space they had. It was a good reminder that a useful session does not need perfect facilities. It only needs enough room to run and people willing to join in.
Each student also received a Touch Football Australia drink bottle to encourage them to stay hydrated during sport.
A Community Ready to Get Involved
The support from the wider community was just as encouraging as the students’ response. Teachers helped create a welcoming environment, while parents and Elders came along to watch the children try the sport.
That local support will be important if the program is to continue.
When schools, families and community leaders support a program, it is much easier to build regular participation. The response in Ali Curung showed there is genuine interest in making Touch Football part of community life.
More Than a Game
By the end of the visit, students were already asking what might come next. Many wanted to keep developing their skills and hoped they might one day travel to play against other communities across the Barkly region and beyond. That gives the community something practical to work towards.
With regular coaching and stronger links to regional Touch Football programs, Ali Curung could become part of the wider playing network. Regional competitions would give young people a chance to represent their community, meet new people and gain experience away from home.
Building a Pathway for the Future
One session is only a starting point. Long term regional development depends on trust, consistency and strong local relationships.
The Ali Curung visit showed the value of returning regularly, listening to the community and supporting opportunities that suit local young people. There is already strong local backing and clear interest from participants, which provides a solid base for the sport to grow.
For Shilo Monkland, Pfungwa Ndlovu and the team supporting the program, the next step is to build on that interest. The first visit has introduced the game, brought the community together and shown that students want more opportunities to play.
Ali Curung is a long way from Australia’s major sporting centres, but the visit showed that distance does not limit enthusiasm or ability. With continued support, Touch Football can become a regular option for young people in the community.
Ali Curung is ready to keep playing, and the community now has a clear starting point.
