Armidale proved once again its ability to host a major sporting event, with the running of the North West Touch Football competition over the weekend at Rologas Fields.
Hosted by Touch Football NSW with the help of Armidale Touch Association, the competition drew teams from all over Northern NSW making for some exciting fast paced touch.
Divisions included junior boys, junior girls, senior men’s, open men’s, open women’s, and mixed competitions. In the junior boys and girls, Armidale came away with the titles, defeating Moree in the finals. In the mixed competition, Quirindi came away with the win. In the men’s open, Maitland defeated Tamworth. In the men’s seniors, Narrabri defeated Armidale and in the women’s open, Yamba defeated Armidale.
Development Officer for Touch Football NSW Miles Wilson was pleased with how the inaugural competition played out and is hopeful it will become a regular fixture on the Touch Football calendar.
“We had 10 different touch clubs that were involved throughout the weekend, with all the finals really close,” said Miles.
“Armidale was the perfect place for us to host this event as we were trying to get as many associations as we could in the far north west come along a compete.”
Interest in touch football is steadily increasing; however, associations play week in, week out, but very rarely get to compete in tournaments, says Mile.
“With the exception of the Country Championships in Dubbo and the State Cup in Port Macquarie, there is little chance for clubs to compete against one another,” said Miles.
“This is why we have created this tournament and hopefully interest in the sport will increase.”
Miles believes that people are attracted to touch because it is an inclusive game. It is one of the most heavily participated sports in NSW with around 750,000 players.
Story: Jo Harrison
