Touch turns to Moreton Bay again

International touch football is coming back to Moreton Bay region for the first Asian Pacific Opens Touch Cup (APOTC).

The four-day festival, from April 23-26, will be at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe, which hosted the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup in May.

That brought 23 teams from 10 nations and thousands of players, officials and supporters to Moreton Bay for more than 75 matches.

Next year’s inaugural Opens Touch Cup will include the world’s top two-ranked nationals – Australia and New Zealand – in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed divisions.

It is being run by Touch Football Australia (TFA) in conjunction with the Federation of International Touch (FIT).

FIT Chair Peter Topp said the APOTC is the “first of its kind as we seek to build upon the increasing demand for international competition”.

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

“Following the successful youth event in May this year, I am delighted TFA and City of Moreton Bay have agreed to hoist the Opens competition.

“We are expected a high number of Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams to enter and I have no doubt it will have a significant impact on the local economy.”

TFA Chief Executive officer Marcus Ashcroft is “grateful to again partner with FIT to introduce the APOTC to the Touch Football calendar and continue the game’s development”.

“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,” he said.

“It’s a privilege to be the host nation and return to Kayo Stadium and its first-class facilities.”

Mayor Peter Flannery is looking forward to welcoming players, teams and supporters and “demonstrating our passion for sport and commitment to promoting active lifestyle.”

Click here for the Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup expressions of interest form.