Touch down for rising stars

One of the biggest events in touch football's world calendar is coming to Moreton Bay this year.

Touch Football Australia (TFA) has announced the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup (APYTC) will be at Kayo Stadium, in Kippa-Ring, from May 15-17.

Launched in 2023, it attracts the best emerging talent from such as Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa and Tonga.

While numbers and nations are still being finalised, organisers say there may be more than 10 nations sending teams to play across six divisions.

At the inaugural APYTC, Australia won all six divisions – one against the Philippines and five against New Zealand – to be crowned Champion Nation.

The second staging will be the first international touch event since the Federation of International Touch (FIT) World Cup last July in England.

Australia became World Champions in Nottingham by winning all bar one of 13 divisions and will be expected to repeat their successes in Moreton Bay come May.

The APYTC, which is supported by the City of Moreton Bay, is to have six divisions across Boys, Girls and Mixed 18s and 20s.

“The return of the APYTC is fantastic for the continued development of the international game,” TFA General Manager of Performance Brad Mitchell said.

“Not only is it important for talented players to represent their country, but vital for emerging talent in Asia and the South Pacific to have opportunities too.

“We had several players from the inaugural event go on to claim World Cup honours in July which is a great testament to our pathway.

“We're looking forward to taking an international series to Redcliffe and are grateful to City of Moreton Bay, the Dolphins and Redcliffe District RLFC for allowing us to access such first-class facilities.”

City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery said the APYTC was a chance for the spotlight to shine on players to competing at Kayo Stadium.

“I am proud Redcliffe will host competitors from across the South Pacific in an international competition and wish athletes the best of luck,” he said.

The APYTC is part of an expanding calendar of international touch competition and will be the first of at least four events in 2025.

Limerick in Ireland is to host the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup (AYTC), followed by European Open’s and Senior’s events in August.

There is also a planned return of Open’s and Senior’s competition to Asia, with further details to be announced.

FIT Chair, Peter Topp said planning has started for the next World Cup, three to four years from now, the European Championships and Asia Pacific Cup in 2026.

The Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup is supported by City of Moreton Bay.