THERE are a bunch of children jumping for joy with the announcement that the Coffs Harbour Touch Association (CHTA) will be running a second season of their Junior Competition this year.

After recently changing venues to the Rugby Club, the summer competition had an unprecedented increase in participant numbers, and children (and parents) were left wanting more.

Association President, Kendall Devine, explains that the competition more than doubled in size within the last year.

“We had heaps of beginner players sign up after getting a taste for touch footy at the holiday clinic which we ran in October,” Kendall said.

Asked why she felt junior touch footy was becoming so popular, Kendall pointed to several factors.

“It’s just such a great game, and I think after COVID, families were looking for fun ways to get fit.

“Even beginners are always guaranteed a great work out and the half hour format works so well for families.”

Carla Snow, vice-president of the CHTA, also pointed out how much growth the club has had within its female ranks.

“Less than a year ago, we only had five women’s teams in our Senior Competition.

“Today we have 12 teams that we have been able to split into two grades.”

Carla explained that there had also been increased interest in Women’s Touch since the Coffs Harbour Hurricane’s success in the Women’s 30s division at State Cup.

Carla (who captained the team) said, “With everything that happened in 2020, it was just so great to be able to play representative footy. No-one expected us to make the semi-finals, so to come fourth in the state was awesome!”

Asked about the future direction of the club, both Kendall and Carla agreed that developing their junior players is critical.

They are currently working on increasing their numbers of accredited coaches with the end goal of taking junior teams to future State Cup competitions.

The CHTA will be running a second 10-week Junior Competition on Monday nights during term 2.

Prior to this they will also be holding a holiday clinic on Thursday 15 April.

For more details head to the website coffsharbour.nswtouch.com.au.

 

By Judith MCNEILL