A mini city of white marquees has sprung up like mushrooms after rain at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium as thousands of people pour into town for the Touch Football Australia National Championships.
The three-day tournament will see more than 150 teams and some 6,300 through the gates for the national gala for adults.
“We are absolutely stoked to welcome Touch Football Australia and all the athletes, officials and their families and supporters back to the stadium precinct,” said City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“This is a premier event which will drive more than $5 million worth of economic benefit for our community – from the pubs and clubs through to accommodation providers, retail, food and tourist attractions.
“Shout out to the City team for having these fields fit for play after the rain last week – in fact, all of the City’s sports grounds are set to be open for action this weekend.”
Touch Football Australia CEO, Marcus Ashcroft said Coffs Harbour had earned the right to be the stage for the code’s national tournaments.
“We’ve reached a new milestone for our national championships and it’s great to be back in our spiritual home at Coffs Harbour,” Mr Ashcroft said.
“Welcome to all our new participants and attendees and thank you to Destination NSW and City of Coffs Harbour for their continued support.
“Touch Football Australia also extends its heartfelt concern and empathy to all those impacted by the recent flooding in the Mid North Coast region. We recognise the immense challenges of these events and our thoughts are with the communities impacted during this difficult time.”
The Championships were originally set to be played in March but were postponed after Tropical Cyclone Alfred was forecast to hit the North Coast.
The 2025 event kicked off this morning and will run through to Sunday 1 June. It will be the 25th time Coffs has hosted the competition since its formation in 1997.
“The players range in age from 16 to 70 plus there’s two All Abilities divisions so touch football is very much a leader as an inclusive, accessible sport,” Mayor Williams said.
“The City will also host the National Youth Championships in October – another mega event and a further chance to showcase the beauty of our region.”
Games will be played at the stadium and at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park, and broadcast in Australia and New Zealand.
“Entry to the precinct is free so I’d encourage the community to get along and soak up the atmosphere and see first-hand the silky skills and thrilling tries,” Mayor Williams said.
