The inaugural George Tooke womens touch football competition has seen three teams emerge as competition favourites at the halfway point of the season. The Binalong Jersey Girls, Yass Girlpies and Harden Hawkettes have skipped clear of nearest rivals the Bungendore Tigerettes in what is shaping as a very even race for the title.
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No one could have anticipated that the competition would be such an immediate success but the enthusiasm of the women involved and the support of their clubs has seen it exceed early expectations. Still with half the season remaining, it will be interesting to see who will emerge as champions of the first George Tooke touch football competition.
The George Tooke womens touch football competition has continued to gain momentum off the back of the National Rugby League (NRL) and Touch Football Australia (TFA) strategic alliance. The alliance has created a local solution for the Capital region and now demonstrates not only a stronger partnership between rugby league and touch football clubs in the region but has also allowed clubs to expand participation levels by opening a pathway for local sportswomen.
Speaking with Karen Ebsworth from the Canberra Region Rugby League (CRRL) about the current success of the competition, Karen stated "We're pleased to see that the George Tooke Shield clubs are appreciating the benefits of having the women's games at their venues, and having the players and supporters involved with their clubs. We're hoping that the concept will grow and eventually have games with our Canberra Raiders Cup fixtures."
Madeline Brayshaw, both player and secretary for the Binalong Jersey Girls, said "from a secretary point of view it is has been great with the extra numbers coming in the gate at home games," one of the benefits of having the George Tooke womens touch football competition. Madeline also added "It is a great competition and all the games we have played so far have been played in good spirit and the referees have been terrific. It is a shame not all the George Tooke Shield teams have a side. We are looking forward to the second half of the competition."
The clubs have been very supportive of the competition. Each week the ground staff have been turning up and hour early to set up fields, rope off spectator areas and set up benches for the teams (something rarely seen at touch football games). This commitment doesn't end there, with officials keeping match stats and broadcasting information about try scores after each touchdown. No job has been too small with the clubs committed to ensuring the best experience for all involved.
The clubs are not the only ones appreciating the benefits of this new competition. I was lucky enough to sit down with Ben Wylie, coach of the Yass Girlpies, to talk about how he and the girls see the competition.
"The girls are absolutely loving the competition because every week is a new challenge. The varying styles of play they come up against is helping them develop their skills and knowledge for the local summer competition later in the year. The first half of the season has been very tough and a close one, we are absolutely looking forward to the next half of the season."
The competition has allowed many of the players based in the ACT to return and represent their home towns. Farah Atallah, who plays for the Harden Hawkettes, is one of those players who has been making the trip home each week.
"Being able to go home and play is something I love. It is a great starting point for young girls to not only develop their skills but their confidence as well. It's an opportunity for many to make new friends and meet girls from around their areas in a great atmosphere. I love being able to share my knowledge with the younger girls in the team to help increase their skills. I recommend all girls to play for their home teams so we can build this competition into something bigger!" Farah said.
Jess Cooper, who plays for the Bungendore Tigerettes, was asked what she thought of the competition - being a player based in the ACT and playing with a new group of girls.
"The competition was definitely not what I was expecting but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I have really enjoyed this competition and playing with the Bungendore girls. I am keen to play with the girls next year."
The competition couldn't go ahead without the support of the referees week in week out. Adam Flint, who was a part of the inaugural match, said it is only getting bigger.
"Since that first game the interest has only gotten stronger with crowds slowly expanding and teams building on their skills through training sessions. The commitment from every team is encouraging with some players travelling well over an hour round trip to commit but do it without fuss. As a referee I have seen a big improvement in the understanding of the rules and the skills from players and teams alike," he explained.
Rod Wise, state operations manager of Touch Football ACT, commented on the competition.
"The uniforms are great, the referees have been very supportive and with teams only needing six players to take the field we should see womens touch football being played in other rugby league competitions."