Welcome to the post-National 18's edition of Sixty Seconds in Touch...this edition is a must read for all who were or were not at the event, it'll include highlights and all the news, as well as the day to day happenings of Touch around Australia...

* The Opening Ceremony was short and sweet, with all Captains marching out to represent their teams, Coffs Harbour Mayor Keith Rhoades again welcoming us to Coffs Harbour and showing the city's support for our events, Joe Williams and John Sutton (NRL Rabbitohs players) taking part and Peter Bell giving an inspirational speech to our All Nations representatives.

* With the All Nations Championships so close, Peter Bell (TFA Hall of Fame members) was invited to farewell the 10 Australian Open and Senior sides, as we wanted to take the opportunity to publicly wish them all the best. If you missed his speech make sure you have a read, we've loaded it online and you'll find it here: http://www.austouch.club/index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID;=1417&sID;=46 Well worth reading!

* As part of the Opening Ceremony the special guests and Under 18 Captains all signed two large Boxing Kangaroo flags, these flags were then placed down in merchandise where everyone at the event had the opportunity to sign them. They were quickly filled up and they'll be sent over to New Zealand with the Aussie teams as a message of goodwill. Once again we'll be setting up an avenue for hero emails, so keep your eye on the website for all the info!

* A big thank you to Joe Williams and John Sutton from the South Sydney Rabbitohs for giving up your week to spend with us in Coffs Harbour. Joe and John traveled down for the Opening Ceremony and then spent the week mingling with the players and spectators. They were seen encouraging teams, players, signing autographs, chatting with kids, throwing a ball around here and there and also doing media interviews to help promote the tournament.

They also sat in the Fishbowl and helped tournament staff out, announcing the news and game times. If that's not enough Joe Williams also played in the Celebrity Challenge match and then sang the National Anthem on grand final day. It was fantastic to see all four grand final teams (Mens and Womens) teams lining up on field, while Joe sang. He did it beautifully and it was a great way to start the grand finals.

* The Celebrity Challenge match was an absolute hit, words cannot describe the enjoyment or hilarity that came from the match. For the full story on what took place make sure you read this news article: http://www.austouch.club/index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID;=1431&sID;=46

* The two Championships grand finals were brilliant, congratulations to the Southern Suns Mens side and the NSWCHS Womens side. To the Men, it was a great game, tough and tight, full credit to the Suns and their awesome defense. To the Women, we could not have scripted a better grand final, tight and down to the wire, the drop off really had the crowd going and it was brilliant way to end the tournament.

* To all players, the Australian 18's squads will be announced in the coming weeks, after letters of offer and so forth have been sent out and deposits received. Keep an eye on the website for all of the news coming soon!

* It was fantastic to see two of our Aussie Open representatives out coaching the up and coming juniors...Phil Gyemore (SWQ) and Shelley Matcham (TouchWest) did a fantastic job and it was great to see how much the players respected them and appreciated having our elite representatives taking the time and the effort to coach these players.

It was also great to see so many Aussie coaches also out giving a hand, John Singh, Wade Jenkins, Karley Banks, Ricky Luland, Tony Eltakchi, Peter Bell all come to mind, as do several others that I've no doubt forgotten to mention! These junior players are the future of our sport at the elite level and it's great to see them receiving coaching and support from the best in the business.

* Merchandise went crazy at this year's event with a huge amount of clothing and gear sold, however there's still a bit left and once we've counted and reconciled everything we'll be advertising it on the TFA website, so keep your eyes open!

* In other non-National 18's news...

* ACT is ready to kick off their summer competition and want it to be bigger and better than ever...registration is now open, simply visit www.acttouch.com.au to download the form. They're also offering an early bird offer of a free Touch Ball for anyone that registers and pays by September 28. Make sure you get in quick!

* Brisbane Metro Touch and Berserkers Touch in Rockhampton (formerly Central Queensland University Touch) have become the first affiliates to join Touch Football Australia! For the full story please click here: http://www.austouch.club//index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID;=1434&sID;=46

* There are reports on the TFA website regarding the SEQTL grand finals and the Border Challenge between Touch SA and Victoria. Make sure you have a read of these, they're great stories and it's good to hear what's going on around Australia!

* Remember if you need any help with gaining media coverage or have a story you want to try and get published in your local paper, please contact media@austouch.com.au and Rachel will be happy to help out. If you have a story from the National 18's that you'd like to get published in your local newspaper, get in quick while we have the opportunity!

* The next edition of `Touch-e-Talk' the online newsletter will be released in the first week of October, with only a few weeks until the All Nations it's sure to have a real All Nations flavour. Make sure you check it out when it comes. To receive the newsletter direct to your email simply email media@austouch.com.au and let us know you'd like to be on the newsletter mailing list.

By Rachel Moyle