The initiative “Youth in Touch” by Touch football Victoria & VicHealth has come to a close after a strong 3.5 year campaign.
Youth in Touch was established in 2018, with the aim of increasing the physical lifestyle of youth (juniors aged 12-17) through touch football activities. Along with this, Youth in Touch played a role in assisting clubs in developing their junior pathways and enhancing the junior experiences.
In its lifetime, Youth in Touch was able to provide a total of 108 touch football opportunities for juniors across 33+ different locations in Victoria. From Portland in Regional Victoria to Ashwood in Metro Melbourne, these offerings attracted over 1200 juniors taking part in entry level programs.
The below information highlights some of the successful Youth in Touch initiatives we have been able to deliver over the past 3 years.
Youth in Touch: Super Series (2020 – Ashwood)
In late 2020, the Youth in Touch Super Series took the world by storm with over 250 juniors taking part in the Touch Football Competition. After Victoria's first lockdown Touch Football Victoria & Youth in Touch provided a free offering to get juniors back on the park playing touch footy.
My Incredible Touch Football Journal
Due to community sport being on hold for majority of 2020 & 2021, Youth in Touch had been limited to how many junior offerings could be provided. To work around this, Youth in Touch & My Incredible Journals collaborated to develop a new and exciting resource to help juniors engage with touch football & learn the basics outside the touch fields. The ‘My Incredible Touch Football Journal’ included fun and enjoyable touch specific activities to help beginners learn the basics of touch football and understand other pathways for participation (refereeing & coaching). From crosswords to home workouts/drills to improve your game & fitness, to coaching profiles and to nutritional advice, the ‘My Incredible Touch Football Journal’ has it all.
Harlequin Summer Touch Program
With continued support form Youth in Touch over the years, the Harlequin Summer Touch program has grown to become one of the biggest clubs delivered junior touch programs in Victoria! In 2021 alone, the junior program hit an all-time high 150 participants. The program is run by state coaches, qualified referees and provides a family friendly environment with full clubhouse facilities, including hot meals. The program is provided for those wanting to learn the game as well as those wanting to go to the next level. If you are interested in participating, contact touchsignup@quins.com.au
Iron Armour Academy Collaboration
On July 1st, 2021, Youth in Touch visited the Iron Armour Academy. This collaboration had over 50 juniors try their hand in touch football. There were plenty of smiles as state coaches, players & referees helped the IAA athletes transition their rugby skills to suit the game of touch footy. Thankyou to Iron Armour Academy for having us and we look forward to future collaborations.
Inflatable Fun Park - Dandenong
January 2021, Youth in Touch held free activities at Inflatable Fun Park to introduce the sport of touch football to any juniors willing to give it a go! From face painting to passing competitions, this event had it all. Youth in Touch was able to engage 100 juniors in this exciting multi-week event.
Youth in Touch Academies
Over the mid-year school holidays, we hosted a free academy for both boys & girls to refine their skills in touch footy after a long break from touch footy. These academies were delivered across Victoria with the aim of provide opportunities for newcomers to either try out a new sport or for current junior touch players to refine their skills prior to the Victorian NYC State Trials. Thanks to our Victorian clubs and the councils for accommodating the events at South Yarra, Albert Park, Shepparton & Geelong. Also, massive shoutout to our volunteers & coaches who contributed to allow for over 100+ participants!
Westside Youth in Touch and Outkast Sports
With support from Youth in Touch, Westside Touch Association and Outkast Sports collaborated to bring a brand-new touch footy offering in the western suburbs. The program saw 70 juniors take part in touch footy activities. With much success and positive feedback, Westisde Touch and Outkast Sports will be once again delivering the program in early 2022. If interested, please contact westsidetouch@hotmail.com
Brimbank Youth in Touch
To kickstart touch football in Brimbank, Youth in Touch hosted a free 6-week junior touch program. Over 30 juniors experienced touch footy and are now ready to take part in the upcoming 2022 touch footy competition coming to Brimbank! For more information about this upcoming social competition, please reach out to ella.squires@touchfootball.com.au
Shepparton Youth in Touch
Shepparton Touch Association was on the rise in 2021 with their first program being a collaboration with Youth in Touch. Over 30 juniors participated in multiple free programs as Shepparton Touch builds momentum towards an exciting 2022 campaign. This will see touch footy competitions returning to Shepparton. For more information please contact David.diack@touchfootball.com.au
Geelong Youth in Touch
For two years running, Geelong Touch Football Association & Youth in Touch have worked together to provide two exciting entry level programs at King Lloyd Reserve, Newtown. These offerings have attracted a total of 100+ participants and Geelong has no plans to stop there. In 2022, the program will recommence. For those interested in taking part in the free program, please contact geelongtouchassociation@hotmail.com
Princes Park Touch – North Carlton
For consecutive years, Princes Park Touch & Youth in Touch has delivered several free multi-week junior touch programs for both boys and girls in years 6-9. The initiative begins with skills and drills to help newcomers learn the basics of touch football and then eventually progressing into a fun & social competition.
Just like our other club delivered programs, this initiative will recommence early 2022. To register, please contact info@princesparktouch.com
Moorabbin Touch Association
Moorabbin Touch Association is one of TFV's newest affiliates. To kick start their journey Moorabbin Touch successfully engaged 30+ juniors and delivered training sessions as well as short social family style competition with the focus on fun for everyone. For more information about programs at Moorabbin Touch Association please contact moorabbintouchfootball@gmail.com
Each of the above programs would have been impossible without the amazing support and assistance our stakeholders and of the 200+ Coaches, Referees & Volunteers that have been consistently involved. Without them, Youth in Touch would not have been able to engage so many new participants and grow the sport in Victoria. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all coaches, referees, and volunteers for their services & commitment to growing the sport of touch football in Victoria.
