30 May 2025
Coffs Harbour Gears Up for Return of Touch Football National Championships
In the second iteration of its revamped format, The Championships returns to Touch Football’s spiritual home of Coffs Harbour this week, inviting teams from across Australia to represent over three days of exciting competition.
The national championship event was originally scheduled for March earlier this year but was postponed due to severe weather conditions brought on by Tropical Cyclone Alfred – with the safety of players, coaches, managers, officials, staff, and spectators considered the priority for a tournament experience under more enjoyable conditions.
The Championships is one of the most anticipated on the domestic Touch Football calendar, with the 2025 instalment welcoming over 150 teams on a quest to be crowned National Champions in twenty-three divisions across Opens, 20s to 65s age divisions, and two inclusive All Abilities tiers showcased once again to allow more athletes to compete at a national level.
A host of affiliate, regional, and state teams will tap off on the fields of C.ex Coffs International Stadium – including four new entities attending for the first time – with affiliate teams seizing their opportunity in their introduction to the event last year by claiming six titles.
A truly mass participation event with athletes ranging from 16 to over 70 years of age, The Championships garnered significant interest in its inception last year; and will welcome 6,300+ attendees this year, projected to contribute over $5m of economic benefit to the NSW and local economy of Coffs Harbour.
Touch Football Australia CEO, Marcus Ashcroft welcomed the sport’s continued run in Coffs Harbour and the host of teams from across the nation in attendance, while acknowledging the recent adverse weather conditions leading into the event.
“We’ve reached a new milestone for our national championships, and it’s great to be back in our spiritual home at Coffs Harbour. Welcome to all our new participants and attendees and thank you to Destination NSW and City of Coffs Harbour for their continued support,” Ashcroft said.
“Touch Football Australia also extends its heartfelt concern and empathy to all those impacted by the recent flooding in the Mid North-Coast region. We recognise the immense challenges of these events, and our thoughts are with the communities impacted during this difficult time.”
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams said the strong partnership with Touch Football Australia and the host city’s built and natural environment was a compelling combination.
“The multi-field sports precinct is a premier venue where champions come to play. Participants, officials, and fans at The Championships will also enjoy the luxe experience off-field, from the sun-kissed beaches to the world class attractions, and a fantastic array of food and accommodation offerings,” Mayor Williams said.
In wet weather synonymous with championship finals, the Hunter Western Hornets were crowned the new champions in the Men’s Open A division in last year’s event in their unbeaten charge to the trophy following previous last-gasp finals losses. The UQ Rebels claimed the first-ever affiliate victory in the Women’s Open A, while the Southern Rebels continued their storied Mixed Open A history with another notch in their championship record.
The event is being held at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, NSW from Friday, 30 May to Sunday, 1 June 2025. Entry is free and all are welcome to attend.
Fans can watch the event exclusively live and free on Kayo Sports in Australia, Sky Sport in New Zealand, and Sky Sport Next in other global territories.
The Championships is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW and City of Coffs Harbour.
DoorDash Supports Mid-North Coast Recovery
Touch Football Australia also extends its heartfelt concern and empathy to all those impacted by the recent flooding across the Mid-North Coast region. We recognise the immense challenges faced by these communities and our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time.
In a show of support, Touch Football Australia naming rights partner, DoorDash has generously committed to fast-tracking a portion of its $100,000 Footy Cash Grants Program to assist Touch Football affiliates in flood-affected areas. Originally scheduled for later in the year, this early allocation will help support grassroots recovery and rebuild efforts, offering much-needed financial assistance to those most impacted.
About DoorDash Footy Cash
Now in its fourth year, the DoorDash Footy Cash initiative aims to give back and empower local communities. To date, the initiative has supported fifty-three outstanding recipients and contributed over $300,000 in funding nationally. In 2025, the program will deliver $100,000 in funding grants directly to clubs, affiliates, and individuals across the Touch Football community.
CONTACT:
In the second iteration of its revamped format, The Championships returns to Touch Football’s spiritual home of Coffs Harbour this week, inviting teams from across Australia to represent over three days of exciting competition.
The national championship event was originally scheduled for March earlier this year but was postponed due to severe weather conditions brought on by Tropical Cyclone Alfred – with the safety of players, coaches, managers, officials, staff, and spectators considered the priority for a tournament experience under more enjoyable conditions.
The Championships is one of the most anticipated on the domestic Touch Football calendar, with the 2025 instalment welcoming over 150 teams on a quest to be crowned National Champions in twenty-three divisions across Opens, 20s to 65s age divisions, and two inclusive All Abilities tiers showcased once again to allow more athletes to compete at a national level.
A host of affiliate, regional, and state teams will tap off on the fields of C.ex Coffs International Stadium – including four new entities attending for the first time – with affiliate teams seizing their opportunity in their introduction to the event last year by claiming six titles.
A truly mass participation event with athletes ranging from 16 to over 70 years of age, The Championships garnered significant interest in its inception last year; and will welcome 6,300+ attendees this year, projected to contribute over $5m of economic benefit to the NSW and local economy of Coffs Harbour.
Touch Football Australia CEO, Marcus Ashcroft welcomed the sport’s continued run in Coffs Harbour and the host of teams from across the nation in attendance, while acknowledging the recent adverse weather conditions leading into the event.
“We’ve reached a new milestone for our national championships, and it’s great to be back in our spiritual home at Coffs Harbour. Welcome to all our new participants and attendees and thank you to Destination NSW and City of Coffs Harbour for their continued support,” Ashcroft said.
“Touch Football Australia also extends its heartfelt concern and empathy to all those impacted by the recent flooding in the Mid North-Coast region. We recognise the immense challenges of these events, and our thoughts are with the communities impacted during this difficult time.”
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams said the strong partnership with Touch Football Australia and the host city’s built and natural environment was a compelling combination.
“The multi-field sports precinct is a premier venue where champions come to play. Participants, officials, and fans at The Championships will also enjoy the luxe experience off-field, from the sun-kissed beaches to the world class attractions, and a fantastic array of food and accommodation offerings,” Mayor Williams said.
In wet weather synonymous with championship finals, the Hunter Western Hornets were crowned the new champions in the Men’s Open A division in last year’s event in their unbeaten charge to the trophy following previous last-gasp finals losses. The UQ Rebels claimed the first-ever affiliate victory in the Women’s Open A, while the Southern Rebels continued their storied Mixed Open A history with another notch in their championship record.
The event is being held at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, NSW from Friday, 30 May to Sunday, 1 June 2025. Entry is free and all are welcome to attend.
Fans can watch the event exclusively live and free on Kayo Sports in Australia, Sky Sport in New Zealand, and Sky Sport Next in other global territories.
The Championships is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW and City of Coffs Harbour.
DoorDash Supports Mid-North Coast Recovery
Touch Football Australia also extends its heartfelt concern and empathy to all those impacted by the recent flooding across the Mid-North Coast region. We recognise the immense challenges faced by these communities and our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time.
In a show of support, Touch Football Australia naming rights partner, DoorDash has generously committed to fast-tracking a portion of its $100,000 Footy Cash Grants Program to assist Touch Football affiliates in flood-affected areas. Originally scheduled for later in the year, this early allocation will help support grassroots recovery and rebuild efforts, offering much-needed financial assistance to those most impacted.
About DoorDash Footy Cash
Now in its fourth year, the DoorDash Footy Cash initiative aims to give back and empower local communities. To date, the initiative has supported fifty-three outstanding recipients and contributed over $300,000 in funding nationally. In 2025, the program will deliver $100,000 in funding grants directly to clubs, affiliates, and individuals across the Touch Football community.
CONTACT:
Philip Phan
Marketing & Communications Manager
Touch Football Australia
Phone: 0435 957 753
Email: philip.phan@touchfootball.com.au
ENDS