Port Macquarie Hastings Council has lodged submissions to host the state’s two most prestigious touch football carnivals in what it says is a bid to build on the region’s four-decade legacy as “the spiritual home” of touch football in NSW.
Tenders for both the NSW Senior and NSW Junior State Cup Tournaments have been lodged with Touch Football NSW, highlighting the region’s sporting track record, quality facilities, hospitality and accommodation options and ongoing commitments to ensure the elite tournaments remain part of Port Macquarie’s future.
Mayor, Adam Roberts said Council was proud to put forward a compelling case to Touch Football NSW.
“On behalf of Port Macquarie Hastings Council, I am pleased to endorse our tenders to host both the NSW State Cup and Junior State Cup,” Mayor Roberts said.
“These events are part of our region’s identity. Our community has proudly supported touch football at all levels for close to four decades, and we are committed to ensuring Port Macquarie remains the spiritual home of touch which serves as both a welcoming and reliable base for players, supporters, and spectators alike.”
Mayor Roberts said that hosting both competitions reflected Council’s commitment to supporting elite sport, grassroots participation, and player development, while also delivering significant economic and social benefits to the region.
“Securing both the Senior and Junior State Cups would allow us to continue building on the events’ legacies, providing a safe, family-friendly environment that supports participation, enjoyment, and development for players of all ages,” he said.
Upgraded facilities at the Port Macquarie Regional Stadium remains central to Council’s bid. With support from the NSW Government, work was recently completed to replace more than 1,000 grandstand seats.
Council is also investigating infrastructure options to improve the Tuffins Lane Sporting Fields, with a focus on enhancing playing conditions.
Beyond facilities, the region continues to strengthen its reputation as a world-class events destination, with a proven history of successfully hosting major events that attract thousands of participants and visitors, including the annual IRONMAN event, said Mayor Roberts.
“Our unrivalled coastline and hinterland, combined with strong tourism, hospitality and accommodation offerings, ensure teams, officials and spectators continue to return year after year,” he said.
“It is this combination of infrastructure, experience and lifestyle that demonstrates our willingness to keep investing in the future of touch football and remain – as we have done for more than four decades – its spiritual home.”
Mayor Roberts said Council looked forward to working closely with NSW Touch Football to progress the tender process and, if successful, to deliver outstanding State Cup and Junior State Cup events over the next three years.
