60 Seconds In Touch

By: B.Newell

Welcome to the first installment of ‘Sixty Seconds in Touch’, where we take a look at the news from around the state, and find out what’s happening in our own backyard.

Keep an eye out as we look at what’s news from NSW affiliates, bring you up to date news from our technical arms and even look at what’s happening in the engine room of New South Wales Touch Association.

• The Country Championships are just around the corner, being held in Dubbo on Saturday 29^th and Sunday 30^th May 2010, with three of last year’s premiers not attending. The Wallsend Wolves Mens Open, Womens Open and Mixed Senior divisions wont make this year’s trek, leaving just 7 of last year’s Club Champions teams making the trip out to Dubbo. With over 70 teams attending the tournament, Wollongong also make up seven of those sides, followed by 2004 Club Champions Newcastle City with six. An easy assumption in saying this year it’s anyone’s ball game?
  For all of the latest news and info, visit the ‘Country Champs website’

• Congratulations must be extended to all award recipients at this year’s Annual NSW Referees Awards Night, held at Bankstown Sports Club recently. Special mention must also go to Adam Foley and Gavin West who were awarded joint winners of the prestigious ‘Matthews Medal’, the referee of the year award. Both men have attended most state, national and international touch tournaments over the past twelve months, including the Trans Tasman Series in New Zealand. This is Adam’s third consecutive year winning this award, and fifth overall since its conception in 2003.
  For all of the latest referees news and course details, visit the ‘NSW Referees Website’
• A big “welcome aboard” to the newest touch football affiliate in New South Wales, being the Eden Tigers Touch Association. Not only does the Eden Tigers hold the title of ‘newest’ affiliate in NSW, but it is now the ‘most southern’ touch competition in the state, being just over 40kms away from the Victorian boarder on the NSW South Coast. Apart of the Southern Suns region, the Eden Tigers run men’s and mixed competitions of a Monday evening at the George Brown Memorial Oval, Eden.

• The 2010 Years 9/10 All Schools Final is being held on Friday 28^th May, at the Penrith Touch fields. Throughout term 1 and term 2 year 9 & 10 students have been competing in their local qualifiers to compete at this always exciting event. So far there are over 20 boys and girls sides from around the state going to take part in this massive one day event. Schools with both boys and girls sides attending are Orange High, Ulladulla High, Tweed River High, Kingscliff High and hot favourites Hunter Sports High School, however it will ultimately be the team’s determination that could get any of the20+ sides across the line in the finals.
  Keep your eyes peeled on the NSW website for more information soon, www.nswtouch.com.au
  
  

• NSWTA recently coordinated a junior touch footy development camp in Tamworth. The two day camp was aimed at further developing the skills of youth players in the Northern NSW area, and helped them obtain some elite coaching from some of our talented development staff and regional rep players. Each child received a touch pack, filled with essential goodies and personal coaching over the two days. Thank you to all those involved, and keep your eyes peeled for the next camp in early 2011.

• Upcoming Dates:

1. NSW Touch Annual General Meeting – Saturday 15^th May, 10am, Bankstown Sports Club.
2. Yrs 9 & 10 State All Schools Final – Friday 28^th May, Penrith Touch Fields.
3. Country Championships – Saturday 29^th & Sunday 30^th May, Dubbo.
4. NSW Technical Course Weekend – Friday 18^th to Sunday 20^th June, Bankstown Sports Club.

If you would like to share some news from your affiliate or region, please email us today – bnewell@nswtouch.com.au

‘Keeping Our State Active’
www.playtouchfooty.com.au