Macquarie University are an affiliate on the rise. They have recently kicked off their first season of competition and are already proving to be an absolute hit in their area.

Craig Oliver and his team have already exceeded their initial expectations, with the competition booming.

"We decided to only take 24 teams in the first season and only in a Mixed Intermediate competition, however we turned away a number of teams in the process and think that 32 teams for next season is definitely very achievable," said Oliver.

At the moment about 60% of the competitors are Macquarie University students and with the University already a traditionally strong contender at the Eastern University Games and the Australian University Games, the competition can only bring more improvement at the University Games as well.

However, the competition has also attracted the remaining 40% of players from the local area and with the fields at Macquarie University considered some of the best sporting grounds in New South Wales, it is certainly set to grow.

"We're aiming to increase membership in the Macquarie Touch club through the competition," Oliver said, "as well as raise the skill level of University members and offer everyone increased competition."

As is often the case, the competition is running on the hard work of just a small handful of people, with refereeing being one area where the competition needs some more people to stick their hands up.

With the competition paying referees $15.00 a game, there's certainly an opportunity for those who need that bit of extra cash.

Any one who is interested in joining the competition should call Ann Marie Hopps on (02) 9850 7636 or visit the website www.musa.mq.edu.au.

The next competition is kicking off in August and this is certainly one affiliate to keep an eye on!