Record Number of Touch Footballers on the Coast
A record number of junior Touch Football teams featuring the country’s best underage Touch Footballer’s have descended on the Sunshine Coast to compete across four action-packed days at the 2023 DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC).
Over 2,000 players and officials representing 121 teams will participate in this year’s NYC, Australia’s premier junior Touch Football tournament.
Held at Sunshine Coast Stadium since 2013, the competition has increased in size and popularity having grown from two under 18 divisions and 36 teams in 2013 to this year featuring eight age and gender divisions attracting 6,000 attendees and resulting in $5m of economic benefit to the region.
The record numbers are welcomed by Touch Football Australia CEO Jamie O’Connor who said it was pleasing to see the tournament continue to grow.
“We’ve long known the demand and quality of athletes was there to make this event a truly mass participation national junior championships and I’m pleased to see the event achieve it’s potential. I’m looking forward to witnessing the talent and enthusiasm of the next generation of players on display at this year’s event.” O’Connor said.
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the Sunshine Coast Council was committed to providing great opportunities for young athletes to compete and develop their skills in a safe, welcoming environment.
“For the 15th NYC event held at Sunshine Coast Stadium, we are ready to host more junior teams than ever before,” Cr O’Pray said.
“When off the field we hope those visiting the Sunshine Coast can take the time to sample many of the wide range of experiences, events and destinations we have to offer.”
The NYC has a rich history of unearthing talent, one only must look at this year’s NRLW season, with an incredible 62% of players in the competition coming through Touch Football pathways. Add to this mix the likes of Ryan Papenhuyzen who still sits in third position in the NYC’s all-time leading try scorers in boys’ divisions, the importance of the event as a nursery for future sporting success is clear.