AROUND THE WORLD: TOUCH GROWTH IN SPAIN

I must admit that the first thing I thought of when someone said to me Touch and Barcelona in the same sentence was, "Isn't Barcelona in Spain, and isn't the running of the bulls somewhere in Spain?" (Even though I obviously knew they have nothing to do with each other, the image of bull running and a Touch game at the same time was one that made me smile.)

The word coming out of Spain is that the city of Barcelona has been bitten by the Touch bug, like Germany and France before them. They started playing two months ago and since then train every weekend. 'The Touch Pandora's box is open' as Olivier Guitart from Touch Barcelona says!

Already Touch Barcelona has started to infiltrate the Rugby system...Last weekend they held coaching clinics to introduce Touch to a group of 40 kids (one group of Under 7's and one group of Under 16's.)

They also worked with a group of over 45's, parents and seniors, who will come together for a BBQ and to play in a mini-tournament.

Touch Barcelona organizers are repeating this sort of introduction day regularly throughout March and April.

Like other developing Touch nations, Touch Barcelona have realised that the key to their development lies within promoting Touch in the local and historically strong Rugby clubs.

They have already announced their Touch League is on the verge to start in May and will last until June. All are welcome teams or individuals. They are looking at creating activities for over the summer break as well and are hoping to attract interest from not only rugby lovers.

Touch Barcelona are working hard in many other areas, with a website expected to hit the net soon.

Starting in March Barcelona will have two venues for their weeknights competition, one on grass and one on astro turf (this is a scoop for Touch there!)

So if you are interested in getting involved with Touch in Barcelona or helping them develop further, please contact Olivier Guitart at info@touchrugbycat.org and become part of this great adventure for Spain and the sport of Touch.

For another story on Touch in Barcelona, check out the following link: TOUCH BARCELONA

Their new website www.touchrugbycat.org is currently under construction, but keep an eye out for it.






By Rachel Moyle, media@austouch.com.au