WALLSEND TOUCH TAKE OUT AWARD

Each year the NSW Hunter Academy of Sport hold their regional sports awards and 2005 has seen a Touch affiliate achieve enormous recognition.

The Hunter Region Sports Awards cover clubs and competitions in all sports from the Central Coast, up to Taree and out into the Western cities of NSW.

At the recent 2005 NSW Hunter Academy of Sport award, Wallsend Touch Association was awarded the "Sporting Organisation of the Year" award.

Winning this award is certainly a big deal, as Wallsend held off teams such as the he Newcastle Knights (NRL), the Hunter Pirates (NBL), the Hunter Jaguars (Netball) and the Newcastle United Jets (Soccer). They also held off many other sporting clubs and associations from the region.

Wallsend Touch has been developing rapidly, with their team numbers going through the roof and helping them to become one of the largest affiliates in NSW and Australia-wide.

Their committee is constantly looking for ways to develop the competition and their association website is a credit to that, as well as highlighting the possibilities and incredible benefits a website can have for communication and advertising.

Their format of spring and autumn competitions (rather than winter and summer) has brought a further increase in team numbers and competition.

The number of Wallsend players being selected for the NTL regional permit Hunter-Western Hornets is on the rise, as is their number of Australian junior and senior representatives.

The Hunter Academy award orgainsers recognised Wallsend for their tremendous contribution to sport over the past 12 months.

They noted Wallsend to have one of the highest participation rates, with an average of 150 senior teams per season and 128 junior teams for the current junior competition, and with more coming in each week.

Their efficiency and organisation for all members and guests, as well as their outstanding clubhouse facilities and areas were also mentioned.

In speaking to Wallsend Touch members, Ken Clifford, CEO Of the Hunter Academy of Sport praised Wallsend for their contribution to sport in the region.

"It is certainly fine work that Wallsend Touch Association does for sport around the region, and we're extremely pleased to have been able to select them for this award."

The award for Wallsend Touch is a credit to their committee and members, who work hard to ensure the association is constantly growing and developing.

Touch Football Australia would like to congratulate Wallsend and all of their committee members, volunteers and players, coaches and officials who have helped to achieve this recognition. Thank you for your hard work for the region, the sport and for Touch Football all around Australia.