Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Touch Association (NSWTA) are this weekend hosting the Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival at Jubilee Park.
Now in its sixth consecutive year, the Junior State Cup Southern contest will see 197 battling it out for the honour of being named Southern Champions.
NSWTA General Manager, Dean Russell said he is excited to bring the event back to Wagga Wagga.
“We once again find ourselves being hosted by the Wagga community and we cannot be more excited by the prospect,” Mr Russell said.
“With the new developments at Jubilee Oval, the facilities continue to provide an excellent venue for this prestigious event.
“It will also be the first event under new Broadcast partners, KAYO and Sky Sport, ensuring coverage for the event worldwide.”
When asked about possible heat issues Russell stated, “we have demonstrated in the past that our policies in placing the wellbeing of our participants first is always of our upmost concern.
“Should we get extreme heat issues we will, as we did last year, look to alter playing conditions to give greater rest and water intake opportunities and if needed, suspend play and come back in the evening.”
In June last year, NSWTA named Wagga Wagga as the winner to host the 2024, 2025 and 2026 carnivals after an extensive tender process.
Mr Russell believes that the quality of the venue, centralised location with ease of travel, and the strengthening relationship with Council are all elements that have worked in the region’s favour in attracting this event.
Deputy Mayor, Amelia Parkins said the city was looking forward to welcoming all the players, families, supporters, organisers and volunteers back to the Jubilee Park precinct.
“The carnival has been successful for both the NSW Touch Association and our local community over the past five years, and we expect that positive trend to continue again this year,” Cr Parkins said.
“I think everyone, from players, families, and supporters to organisers and volunteers, will be impressed with the standard of the venue.
“Our staff have been working alongside NSW Touch to prepare the precinct for the carnival, highlighting the strong relationship we’ve forged over the past five years, a relationship we hope will continue to grow and prosper into the future.
“I wish all participants and officials the very best for another successful carnival.”
Mr Russell has also spoken about the logistics required in pulling the event together which have been enormous, and he welcomed the continuing support of Council.
“We can’t run these size events without the tremendous support of Council and businesses within the community,” Mr Russell said.
“When you consider that we will bring 10,000 participants, officials, and parents from 27 affiliates to the region, it does take a village to accommodate staging the event.”
There will be around 670 games to be played by 3000 players and referees over the three days of competition.
Games started at 8am today and progress through to the finals from 11.30am on Sunday, with the prestigious Girls 18s and Boys 18s to be played at 2:30pm and 3pm respectively.
