Wollongong Touch will launch the i98FM Touch Premier League on Friday September 1 at Thomas Dalton Park and we’d love to have you in attendance. The launch will begin at 12pm, with a BBQ lunch provided. Each of the 14 teams will be represented, wearing their 2023 Struddy’s playing strips and are available for interviews, vision, and photos immediately after a short launch presentation.
The 2023 I98FM Wollongong Touch Premier League will be the 6th instalment of the one of a kind competition, which features the region’s best Senior and Junior Touch players representing clubs from the Illawarra Rugby League and Group 7 Rugby League.
In 2023 WTA will create another piece of history, linking with Illawarra Rugby for the first time as we welcome the Shoalhaven Rugby Club to be represented in the Men’s competition.
“This is something we’ve thought about for some time, linking with Illawarra Rugby.” Vice President Tim Robinson said. “We’ve had many of our Wollongong Devils players go onto represent in Rugby 7’s and Rugby 15’s pathways, including Rio Gold Medallists Nicole Beck and Emma Tonegato. It just goes to show that Touch Football can provide the key skills needed to represent in a cross code of Rugby, just like those in Rugby League”.
“The Shoalhaven Rugby Club was the perfect choice for us, with several players playing both Rugby and Touch.”
The WTA Premier League began in 2018, as a grassroots version to the NRL Touch Premiership, which is set to make a return in 2024. It was our vision to link with local rugby league clubs to not only represent their brands but continue the growth of high-level skill and football IQ in both senior and junior touch players, who in return may grow in their other chosen sport or perhaps continue with touch football and go on to represent at higher levels.
In an exciting addition, Wollongong Touch is also pleased to announce the start of its first All Abilities competition, in partnership with The Disability Trust. This competition will run parallel to the I98FM Premier League, with participants taking part in skills sessions and games.
“We teamed up with The Disability Trust in 2022, with the aim of creating a partnership which would lead to our first All Abilities competition” Robinson said. “We are proud to be able to tap this off in 2023 and look forward to several participants learning the game of touch football.
14 teams will take part in the 2023 I98FM Wollongong Touch Premier League, 8 in the Men’s Division and 6 in the Women’s Division. Games will run Monday nights for 9 weeks, with a Grand Final night scheduled for Monday October 30.
Men’s teams: Corrimal Cougars, Wests Illawarra Red Devils, Thirroul Butchers, Dapto Canaries, Stingrays of Shellharbour, Jamberoo Superoos, Albion Park Eagles, Shoalhaven Rugby Club.
Women’s teams: Woonona Bushrangers, Corrimal Cougars, Dapto Canaries, Gerringong Lions, Jamberoo Superoos, Stingrays of Shellharbour.
Season Launch/Media Opportunity:
When: Friday Sept 1 – 12pm start.
Where: Thomas Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow
What: Short introduction of teams, sponsor presentation, followed by BBQ lunch and Media
and Vision opportunity.
