In only it’s third year of operation the competition attracted a whopping 30 teams, with over 350 senior players, 60 juniors and spectators attending on the night - an estimated 900 people in total.

Having outgrown Alfred Oval the competition now spills onto Hall Bros Oval in order to accommodate the growing number of teams, as well as the new junior skills development program.

“We’ve grown to 30 teams in three years and this is the first year juniors have been involved,” committee member Ben Cooper said.

The development program is an initiative aimed at introducing juniors to the competition, as well as forming a pathway to boost numbers for future competition.

“The great thing about that is the high school and Hennessy kids are going to run it for us, so it’s getting the kids to help develop the next generation of touch players in town,” Cooper said.

“With juniors coming through it will boost overall numbers and what we want is for Thursday nights to be known as touch night, whether you’re playing, spectating or refereeing, it’d be great to have everyone at Alfred Oval having a great night.”

With plans underway to continue the rapid growth of the competition the committee decided it was time to develop a constitution and are now incorporated.

“We’ve professionalised touch - hopefully we can continue to grow in the future and provide social and sporting opportunities for people in Young,” Cooper said.

The association is also eligible to compete in the state cup and the junior state cup competition, what Cooper described as the biggest touch carnival in the country. 

But for now the committee will stick to the town competition that is already proving to be of the highest standard to date.

Cooper said a match in the mixed competition was the highlight of Thursday night. 

“It’s definitely the best competition in terms of skill we’ve had for the past three years - we’re noticing the skill level develop every year,” Cooper said.

“The Touch-ups and 7/13, they were the standout for me [on Thursday night]. 

“It was just a really quick, fast game and it was good to see the two schools (Hennessy and Young High School) playing together, that’s what I really liked.

“The committee was really impressed with the great sportsmanship and the fun, social atmosphere. The senior comp ran like a charm. Our new idea of having duty refs worked well - everyone turned up and reffed to a high standard, and there were some brilliant games.

The Young Touch Football Association would like to thank Anytime Fitness for sponsoring the senior competition and Judges Pharmacy for sponsoring the juniors. They also wish to extend their appreciation to the Empire Hotel and WIlkinson’s Coaches/Travel for their ongoing support, Brendon Holmes for lending a hand on the night, and to The Young Witness for running draws each week to ensure the competition runs smoothly.

“And to the shire council for having the grounds looking schmick,” Cooper said.

“Sporting associations are only as good as the support they get from the community; that’s not just the businesses but the referees, the parents, etc.”

The association now looks forward to a brilliant season with hot competition. 

The association is now on Facebook and can be found under Young Touch Football Association.

Full team reports in Wednesday’s edition of The Young Witness.

Mixed – Round 1

YSB 7 defeated Delta’s Dummy Halfwits 1.

Just do it 4 defeated Team Ramrod 2.

The Touchups 6 defeated 7/13 4.

Untouchables 3 defeated Sweet Cherry Pie 1.

Freshers 3 defeated The Boss’ Crew 2.

The Bogans 12 defeated Fruit Juice 0.

The Hospital Shop 4 defeated Cardiac Arrest 3.

Bye – Cunning Stunts.

Mens – Round 1

7/13 3 defeated Team Honks 1.

Cherryettes 4 defeated Stump Jump 4.

7/8 Gates 5 defeated Tester Porter Warriors 1.

Captain Black Tooths win defeated Nepal Donkeys on a forfeit.

Empire Emus 5 defeated Milkshakes 1.

Coopers Troopers 4 defeated Bon Copper’s Crew 1.

SASJP’s 6 defeated Petal Falls 0.

Bye – Ken-Touchy Fried Chooks.