Coffs Harbour to host Inferno National Touch League until 2026 at Ce.x stadium

It’s the sporting equivalent of winning the Lotto as Coffs Harbour extends its hold as the venue of choice for the National Touch League.

Northern Eagles players in action at the National Touch League.

Touch football’s alpha competition – the Inferno National Touch League – has extended its stay in Coffs Harbour to 2026, following a NSW government announcement.

Touch is a rapidly growing sport on the Coffs Coast, providing an alternative to full contact rugby league or union which come with heightened injury risk.

Coffs Harbour’s Northern Eagles Touch region director Allan Kirchen said the news was massive for the sport and the region.

“We’re over the moon, especially after the pandemic and weather issues over the last couple of years,” Mr Kirchen said.

The national competition is a four-day tournament which takes in 13 regions across Australia. The event features 12 divisions, including open, mixed and senior.

Northern Eagles players in action at the National Touch League. Picture: supplied

Having played league, union and now touch since he was 15, Mr Kitchen said touch footy was surging in popularity.

“It’s definitely growing due to less physicality, allowing kids to get into rugby,” he said.

The sport is often used as a gateway into rugby league or union, while it also provides a great ‘fit’ for older or more casual players, seeking less contact.

Mr Kirchen, now aged 50, began playing touch after injuring his back.

He said having the tournament anchored at Coffs Harbour would bring a financial windfall for the city.

“It’s great to get tourists back into our town and showcase some of the best talent in Australia in our great facilities,” he said.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Coffs Harbour mayor Paul Amos and Touch Football Australia CEO Jamie O’Connor at C.ex Coffs International Stadium for today’s announcement. Picture: Craig McTear

The tournament will be hosted at the Ce.x stadium.

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said he was delighted by the news.

“We’ve proudly hosted the league in Coffs Harbour since 2011 and seen it grow each year,” Mr Singh said.

He said the competition – estimated to generate a $16 million economic boost – will provide a tourism opportunity for the coast.

“The event showcases our world-class sporting facilities and fantastic tourism offerings with thousands of players and their families, spectators and officials converging annually on Coffs Harbour,” Mr Singh said.

Tourism Minister Ben Franklin said events of this nature are integral for the financial wellbeing of Coffs.

“It's been a tough couple of years for regional tourism and hospitality operators but we are continuing our road map to recovery,” Mr Franklin said.

In 2023, 17 divisions will feature at the Inferno Touch League and Touch Football Australia expects the event to attract over 120 teams each year as the sport hits new heights.