PNG to compete in Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup

Papua New Guinea is in the process of finalising its participation at next year's international tournaments hosted by the Federation of International Touch.

The Federation of International Touch [FIT], in conjunction with Touch Football Australia [TFA], has announced the introduction of the Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup [APOTC], to be hosted at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe, from April 23 to 26, next year.

The event builds on the success of this year’s Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup [APYTC], also held in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland. The APYTC featured twenty-three teams in a festival of international Touch Football, showcasing emerging youth talent from ten nations.

The APYTC concluded with six grand finals between the Athelite Australian Emus and their traditional rivals, the Touch Blacks, with Australia crowned Champion Nation after winning four of six divisions. Kayo Stadium, home of The Dolphins in the National Rugby League and renowned for its elite facilities, will again provide the stage – this time for Opens-level competition across Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed divisions.

The APOTC marks another milestone in the expanding international calendar for Touch Football, most notably welcoming back the world’s top two ranked nations, Australia and New Zealand, to the Open arena. The green and gold currently hold bragging rights following their April victory earlier this year in the Open Trans-Tasman Series held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

To better understand the scale of the event and support planning and coordination, expressions of interest are now open for FIT member nations.

TFA Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Ashcroft said: “We are grateful to once again partner with FIT to introduce the APOTC to the Touch Football calendar and continue the game’s development on an international scale. This year’s youth event was a great success, and I’m excited for more Opens-level athletes to have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“It’s a privilege to be the host nation for the APOTC and return to Kayo Stadium and its first-class facilities. We’re looking forward to returning to Redcliffe and thank City of Moreton Bay as we continue our growing partnership.”

Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery said they look forward to welcoming players, teams, and supporters to the city and demonstrating the passion for sport and commitment to promoting active lifestyles.

"Our world-class facilities and dedication to attracting high-profile competitions like the Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup continue to see the City of Moreton Bay grow as the perfect destination for thrilling competition," he said.

FIT Chair, Peter Topp said the Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup is the first of its kind as they seek to build on the increasing demand for international competition.

"The game of Touch is growing at a rapid pace and as new nations join the federation, we need to ensure we can offer all our members a high-quality event offer as part of the four-year World Cup cycle," he said.

"Following the successful youth event in May this year, I am delighted that TFA and City of Moreton Bay have agreed to host the Opens competition next April and I would like to thank both organisations for their continued support for the game of Touch. We are expecting a high number of Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed teams to enter the competition and I have no doubt it will have a significant local impact on the economy.”