Touch footy back on

BENDIGO Touch Football is lacing up for a new season.

On Wednesday, 6 October the competition will be hosting a come-and-try session for new players to have a go at the fast-paced non-contact sport.

President of Bendigo Touch Football Tarryn Mcdowall said registration fees have been reduced for the upcoming season to encourage more people to participate in community sport.

“This season we’ve made a conscious effort of reducing prices for seniors and for juniors as well as reassuring participants that if for some reason we’ve get to stop our competition that we are going to guarantee every fund for the games they don’t play,” she said.

Senior fees, once $130, are now $90 and fees for participants aged 17 and under are $45, down from $90.

Ms Mcdowall said while last season was affected by COVID-19 with a reduced competition and fewer volunteers, they were fortunate enough to hold their grand final, which many sports could not do.

Bendigo Touch Football sees teams of six players take the field, with a ratio of four males to two females with two grades, social and competitive.

“We’ve had about 14 to 16 teams in [the social grade] and some play with their kids, some are just playing with their workmates, some are just there to have a run on a field,” Ms Mcdowall said.

“Our competitive grade, it’s pretty much anyone that’s played for a few years, they’ve got the skills already developed and they’re looking for that competition.

“The benefit of touch football is it’s family friendly, our youngest player has been nine and our oldest player has been 80, it’s been a huge range of ages.

“Mixed gender means you get to play with everybody and in a very safe and fun, social environment.”

For more information search Bendigo Touch Footy on Facebook or email [email protected].