National 18's
AUSTOUCH LAUNCH A MASSIVE SUCCESS! |
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| It was an action packed day one of the National 18 Years Championships, with the official launch of a junior touch program called AusTouch held during the tournament's opening ceremony. The AusTouch program was launched on the back of a $275,000 grant from the Federal Government and is an initiative aimed at promoting fun and fitness for children, as well as providing them with a number of touch skills. The AusTouch launch included a chance for young players to show their skills and talk with former touch players and NRL stars Benji Marshall and Joe Williams. The two ex-representative touch players had nothing but praise for the program. "When I was growing up there was no program like AusTouch for kids, it's definitely a step in the right direction and its great to see kids getting out there and not only having fun but also taking on a healthy lifestyle," Mr Williams said. "AusTouch is awesome for kids, it's really important to get them interested at a young age," Mr Marshall said. The Member for Cowper, the Hon. Mr Luke Hartsuyker and the Coffs Harbour Mayor, Mr Keith Rhodes praised the Australian Touch Association for bringing the tournament to the Coffs community. "The association of the Coffs community with touch football is very strong and is a relationship that has occurred over a long period of time," Mr Rhodes said. The facilities and field conditions are second to none, and combined with perfect weather, Coffs Harbour is happy to be the home of Australian Touch." AusTouch organisers are expecting around 10,000 children will take part in the program during its first year. "The AusTouch program not only provides for children of all abilities and age levels, but it is also simple for schools/children to become involved. AusTouch will provide a structured program for continual growth of the sport as well as providing a fun and easy after school activity," Marianne Maguire, National AusTouch Coordinator said. By Lisa Plummer |
