City of Coffs Harbour’s exceptional sports precinct is in the spotlight as thousands of happy feet race across the grounds for three days of non-stop action this weekend at the Touch Football National Championships.
In a massive boon for the local economy and the City’s reputation as a major event venue of choice, The Championships – presented by Inferno – got underway at 8am today.
“This is very important for Coffs Harbour and we hope our visitors also enjoy our beautiful beaches when they’re not getting hot and sweaty,” City of Coffs Harbour Cr Scott Wolgamot said.
“Credit to the professional staff who maintain this investment which is world class.”
The logistics of the 2024 The Championships are eye-watering.
Twenty fields are in play, including the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
With 165 teams in action including opens, masters, all abilities and a handful of international sides, it’s estimated the event will plough more than $5 million into the local economy.
“This is hard to beat – it’s the best venue there is,” Touch Football Australia CEO Jamie O’Connor said.
With matches underway, the grounds were a riot of colour as the food van-dotted precinct reverberated to rock music.
For the visiting teams, the annual pilgrimage to Coffs Harbour is a palpable delight – playing on superior grass surfaces under the stare of a banana plantation.
“It’s terrific to be back,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We’re expecting up to 200 teams in 12 months’ time. The quality of touch will be as good as we’ve seen.”
Cr Wolgamot said the economic windfall of hosting The Championships would wash through the local economy.
“We need the buzz,” he said.
The Championships will run daily from 8am to the early evening, concluding on Sunday 10 March.
Mr O’Connor said City of Coffs Harbour’s strength lay in its holy trinity – 20 playing fields, high tech media facilities and a vast range of accommodation options.
Entry to the tournament is free, and the event is being broadcast by Kayo Sports in Australia and Sky Sport Next internationally.
Photo:
Let the games begin: Touch Football Australia CEO Jamie O’Connor and City of Coffs Harbour Cr Scott Wolgamot sideline at the 2024 Touch Football National Championships.
