Social cup celebrates 40 years of touch football

Peninsula Touch Association held its Piranha Social Cup at McEvoy Oval in Umina on February 19.

The social knockout event was played with some older rules reintroduced to commemorate 40 years of touch football on the Peninsula.

Players were allowed to kick on the last touch, which along with some other minor rule changes, provided the platform for a night of fun with almost 40 teams taking part.

Commencing as Woy Woy Touch Football in late 1979 with only a handful of teams and volunteers, the Association has grown to a membership of around 800 players, volunteers, referees, coaches, managers and supporters.

Association president Mr Rod Dillon addressed the crowd and reflected on the history and sense of friendship and community that Peninsula had embraced over the years.

Mr Dillon said many volunteers had contributed countless hours over many years that had been the lifeblood of the organisation.

"The contribution of referees, coaches, managers, players, supporters and sponsors is so crucial in the success and longevity of Peninsula Touch," said Mr Dillon.

Mr Dillon also spoke of the importance of more volunteers sharing the load so that Peninsula Touch Association continues to prosper.

"The role of Central Coast Council, not just as a provider of facilities, but as a valuable partner in making Touch Football accessible to the Peninsula community, also deserves special mention," he said.

Life member and former president, player, coach and referee Mr Mark Wilson paid tribute to founders and Life Members, Mr Ray Mason (deceased) and Mr Wally Markham.

"For many of the formative years and beyond, they were the backbone of both local and representative touch football and their contribution provided the foundation for the club that still thrives today," said Mr Wilson.

Peninsula Touch runs all year round with the winter competition commencing in May.

Team registrations are now open on the Peninsula Touch Association website.

SOURCE:

Media release, 26 Feb 2020

Rod Dillon, Peninsula Touch Association