After an arduous 12 months where a number of sporting events have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19 or severe weather events, the NSW Touch Association is pleased and excited to be running the 2022 Junior Regionals at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreational Complex on April 30 and May 1.
NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell is pleased to not only be taking such an important event to the area but being able to get our elite juniors back playing sport.
“The last 12 months have been very difficult for our community. The impact of both COVID-19 and weather events has seen very little representative touch football played. Hence why we are so excited to be bringing this prestigious event to such a spectacular venue.
The Central Coast and surrounding areas have long been a bastion of Touch Football talent as well as strong supporters and advocates of the New South Wales Touch Association. To be able to bring the elite of our junior pathways to the area is very satisfying.” Russell stated
Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council was excited to be able to host another major sporting event at the regional sporting complex.
“Our regional sporting complex at Tuggerah is living up to its promise of delivering major sporting events for the region, such as these junior championships,” Mr Hart said.
“Our regional sporting complex is located in a central and accessible location and has exceptional drainage and turf conditions – which continues to attract a wide range of competitions as well as professional teams from the NRL and National Rugby Union to use as a training base.
“Not only does this competition provide an opportunity to showcase this fantastic facility, but it will also deliver a huge boost to our local economy with all the players and visitors descending on our region.
“We look forward to hosting the best junior male and female touch football players from across NSW and encourage the community to take up the opportunity to be part of this great event.”
The 2022 championships will be held on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2022, at the regional sporting complex which promises to be witness to exceptional touch footballing talent. The area, like the sport, is a progressive representative hub, with fantastic participation not just at the elite junior but also at seniors and grassroots level alike. The players from the area will now have the opportunity to play on their home turf, representing the Hunter Western Hornets.
The state Junior Regionals event is the pinnacle of the Junior Touch Football pathway within NSW and will see over 48 teams compete in 8 divisions to be crowned Junior Regional Champions. The very best 12s, 14s, 16s, and 18-year-old boys and girls rep sides will be showcased over two days, vying not only for a win but also possible State Merit and NSWTA Development Team selection to compete in the National Youth Championships.
Russell estimates that with 1000 participants and officials, joined by significant family and friends traveling in support of the destination, the event will deliver an expected economic impact of $1.1 million to the local community.
“It has certainly been a tough time for our community of late and the anticipation and excitement being generated by this Junior Representative pathway event, being played on a fantastic facility at Tuggerah is palpable. We have had strong development in the junior pathway for some time, and to now have these added opportunities for our younger athletes is phenomenal.”
Games will commence at 10.00 am Saturday morning and progress through to the finals on Sunday afternoon which will be played from 1.00 pm. The prestigious 18s girls and boys finals will be played at 1:00 pm and 1.30 pm respectively.
