The next generation of touch football stars have arrived in Central Queensland for the 2023 Queensland Touch Football (QTF) Junior State Cup.
Rockhampton will play host to more than 3000 young touch footballers, as part of a ten-year deal which will see the event return biannually in 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031.
The three-day action packed touch football competition brings together 209 affiliate teams from across Queensland, extending as far north as Townsville and as far south as Tweed Heads.
Aged 8 through to 18 years old competitors will battle it out from 6-8 July at the top class Cyril Connell Fields and Norbridge Park in Rockhampton thanks to the support of Rockhampton Regional Council.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said that Council have been working with Queensland Touch throughout the past 12 months.
“It is such a pleasure to finally welcome players and their families to our beautiful region for the 2023 Junior State Cup,” Mayor Tony Williams said.
“Rockhampton’s sub-tropical climate makes us the perfect destination for t-shirt weather all year, so getting out and about enjoying our amazing winter sunshine and tourism experiences will be the perfect complement to a great event.
“With players bringing their family and friends to experience everything Rockhampton has to offer, filling hotel rooms, hospitality venues, retail outlets and tourism businesses, this event will give an economic boost not only to Rockhampton but also to neighbouring councils across Central Queensland as visitors choose to stay longer.”
Acting Executive Manager Advance Rockhampton, Zac Garven said as the lead tourism, marketing and major event agency in the region, hosting a sporting event of this size presents a significant boost to Rockhampton’s visitor economy.
“Advance Rockhampton, the Economic Development arm of Rockhampton Regional Council have worked alongside Queensland Touch to activate our public spaces with night markets and worked with local tourism operators who embrace the influx of visitors to our region,” Mr Garven said.
“We encourage players and their families to go out and explore Rockhampton’s picture-perfect winter days, visiting the stunning boardwalk views of Mount Archer (Nurim), meeting our cheeky chimpanzees, meerkats and otters at Rockhampton Zoo, and taking a day trip to the hinterland, coast or local farm stays.”
Queensland Touch Football CEO, Greg Denny said he is excited to see the best young talent from across the state in action over the next three days.
“The Junior State Cup is one of our premier events, bringing together the best junior touch football talent from across our state,” Mr Denny said.
“We’re so excited to be in Rockhampton this year, for what’s set to be one of our biggest and best years yet.
“Events like this would not be possible without our partners, and I’d like to thank Rockhampton Regional Council for their ongoing support and Queensland Health our sun safety sponsor for the 2023 event.
“Best of luck to all of the teams for the next three days of competition, enjoy the experience, and I look forward to seeing all of the action unfold.”
The QTF Junior State Cup runs from 6-8 July and will be held at Cyril Connell Fields and Norbridge Park in Rockhampton.
