Touch Footy Cup Sydney By Lawrence Machado

Exciting Touch Footy Cup Action In Sydney – By Lawrence Machado

Lawrence Machado

Exciting Touch Footy Cup Action In Sydney - By Lawrence Machado

Organisers are expecting a large turnout for the 5th Touch Footy Cup to be held on Saturday, March 29, at the Penrith Touch Football Fields, Werrington.

The exciting competition will be hosted by the Sri Lanka Touch Footy Club Sydney from 8.30am – 5pm.

Charith Fonseka, the president of SLTF, said the tournament has grown significantly since its inception. He said they are expecting teams from Melbourne to compete for the trophies this year.

“We started the inaugural event in 2021, which featured over 100 players from multicultural backgrounds,” Fonseka said. “From 2022 to 2024, the tournament expanded to include over 40 age-group (Seniors) teams, attracting more than 200 players each year.
“This year, we are continuing to grow the number of participating teams, further cementing the event as a key fixture in Sydney’s community sports calendar.

Exciting Touch Footy Cup Action In Sydney - By Lawrence Machado

“The tournament, run in two categories, also draws an enthusiastic crowd of 300-400 spectators, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.”

Fonseka said the SLTFC is a multicultural touch footy club which is keen promote the sport among young and old in The Hills Shire District. “We started as a group of individuals playing touch footy on Sundays and progressed to become a structured club supported by Touch Football Australia,” Fonseka said.

Exciting Touch Footy Cup Action In Sydney - By Lawrence Machado

Fonseka, who studied at Trinity College, Kandy, said it all started back in the late 1990s with some friendly touch football at the West Epping Park. He said their group is a mix of players with Australian, Sri Lankan, South Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, all who call The Hills Shire their home.

“For many years, we were without a proper ground to play, shuffling between Ted Harwood Reserve, North Rocks and Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill,” Fonseka said. “Thanks to Parramatta Eels, we now have a temporary home at Kellyville Memorial Park for Sunday evening social touch.

FIRST LANKAN TOUCH FOOTBALL CUP

“After playing touch football for over two decades in the Hills and Parramatta districts, we decided to organise the Sri Lankan Touch Football Cup in 2021 with the participation of Sri Lankan Old Boys Associations (OBAs) in Sydney, including Trinity, Royal, Wesley, St Anthony’s, Dharmaraja, Isipathana, S. Thomas, St Peter’s and others.

“Now we have expanded the tournament to include teams from Pacific Islander groups, OBA teams and clubs from Melbourne.

“We invite OBA’s, clubs or few mates to get together and register a team for this year’s tournament,” Fonseka said, “Also we are looking out for sponsors who would like to help this event flourish while promoting their products or services.

“We have regular touch football games every Sunday at the Kellyville Memorial Park from 5-7 pm and welcome newcomers, regardless of their age or skill levels.

“We have players with diverse skills, fitness levels and age playing this friendly game so please join us for a friendly game of touch football, or touch rugby as we call back in Sri Lanka.

Exciting Touch Footy Cup Action In Sydney - By Lawrence Machado

“Our mission is to provide members of the Hills Shire community a sport that everyone can play, regardless of age, gender, experience, or ability.

For more details on playing or registering for the 5th Annual Touch Footy Cup, contact 0452 658 300.