Wagga Wagga wins the inaugural Junior State Cup Southern Conference

In a change to the delivery of the New South Wales Touch Association’s Junior State Cup, from 2019 the event will be split into a Northern and Southern Conference with a State Final to follow.

The New South Wales Touch Association today announced the inaugural winning venue for the 2019-2021 Southern Conference.

NSWTA General Manager, Dean Russell announced that Wagga Wagga Council supported by the Wagga Wagga Touch Association had been successful in winning the tender for the first Junior State Cup Southern Conference.

“We have taken some time in securing this location and venue. There were a large number of locations who submitted strong tenders, some of which we had not seen previously. With today's announcement of Wagga Wagga as the location for 2019 through to 2021, we certainly believe it to be the right decision for our community.

“We are pleased with being able to bring such a high-calibre event to the south-west area of our state” Russell stated. “We believe the new delivery model of the Junior State Cup, will strengthen the development of Touch Football in the southern regions of NSW and also allow us to re-engage with our participants".

“We anticipate approximately 180-200 teams will participate in the first year of the new structure in the Southern Conference and hold a firm view on growing that participation further through the course of the tenure,” said Russell.

Wagga Wagga Council Mayor Greg Conkey was excited about the benefits that the Junior State Cup will bring to the region.

“Wagga Wagga is very excited to be chosen as the inaugural host city for the Junior State Cup Southern Conference,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said.

“With more than 3000 participants and spectators expected to attend, this event will not only highlight our city’s magnificent sporting facilities, but the three-year announcement will bring a multimillion dollar economic benefit to our growing city.

“Congratulations to all involved in securing this fantastic event for the City of Good Sports.”

Wagga Wagga Touch Association President Chris Dolahenty was delighted by the announcement “It will be an excellent opportunity for Wagga's finest young Touch Footballers to showcase their playing skills and hospitality in their own backyard”.

“The Junior State Cup - Southern Conference, will also enable more of the Western, Southern and ACT areas to participate and enhance their Touch Football skills and pit themselves against Metropolitan teams, without the travel and cost barriers that have recently existed. This hopefully will lead to more young players, both male and female engaging in Touch Football around NSW” Dolahenty added.

The event will be held at the home of Wagga Wagga Touch Association Jubilee Park Precinct.

The Junior State Cup Southern Conference will be held on the following dates;

* 2019: Friday 22nd February-Sunday 24th February

* 2020: Friday 21st February-Sunday 23rd February

* 2021: Friday 26th February-Sunday 28th February

Release by NSW Touch Association