NT competing in National Touch Football Championships for first time in three years
Junior touch footy talent from across the Territory has taken on the best from the country in the school sports Combined Touch Championships. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Northern Territory
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For the first time in more than three years the Territory are competing in the junior National Touch Football Championships with almost 400 players from across the country competing in Darwin.
It’s the first time since 2013 that the competition which pits 12 and under and 15 and under state teams against each other has been hosted in Darwin.
And with teams from ACT, NSW Queensland SA, WA and Victoria all in town there was plenty of touch talent for the NT to take on.
Territory 12 and under boys coach Chris McEvoy said it was great for the NT to be back in the competition, with the side having not competed since 2019.
He said he was most proud to see how his side, and the other Territory teams, never gave up despite suffering some losses along the way.
“It’s been really good so far, each team has had a win or a draw and achieved the goals they were setting out for,” he said.
“The boys have done really well, they’ve continued to try even though we’ve had some tough games and big defeats, but they’ve stuck to the task and continue to try their hardest.
“It’s great to have this competition back, we’ve missed school sport for about three years and it’s great getting kids out and running around being active.”
Lawson Fletcher said getting a try against South Australia was his personal highlight of the tournament having sold a dummy giving him space to charge in a try.
“It’s been fun, some of the games we haven’t been too successful for but we do put on a bit of a fight,” he said.
“We’re all getting along pretty good in our team, we pass the ball around a lot and everyone’s getting their fair share.
“My highlight was probably scoring a try against SA, we did a subset and I just dummied the ball and ran straight through for a try.”
For Lara Cooper from East Arnhem Land the tournament was a great opportunity to get a taste of touch footy against girls from all across the country.
“It’s really enjoyable being able to represent the NT and play touch up here,” Cooper said.
“It’s been really cool and fun to play up here and go up against people from all over Australia, it’s just cool knowing they’re from all over.
“It’s been good playing with girls from the Territory, it’s just hard coming into it and not being with each other to practice, but getting to know the team has been my favourite part.”
The tournament wraps up on Friday.
ALL THE PHOTOS
Originally published as NT competing in National Touch Football Championships for first time in three years
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