GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I am very pleased to welcome all the participants to the 2018 State Cup. Our 30th consecutive event here at Tuffins Lane Port Macquarie and in the 50th year of our sport. The State Cup was founded when some smart gentleman thought there could be a future in a representative game of Touch Football. They might have had some foresight those guys! They also saw it as a way to further enhance the benefits that Touch Football was already, in its short history, delivering to our small but growing Community. The first State Cup was here in Port Macquarie in 1977 with 32 teams. Fast forward to 1989 and in the 13th edition of the Cup (there were 2 in 1985) returned to the venue with 174 teams. Parramatta won the Men’s and Women’s Open double and yours truly won his first State Cup when Cronulla took out the Mixed Open. This year, the 42nd Cup will take place with near 250 teams and over 6000 participants. It’s been a marvellous journey thus far and one that wouldn’t have been possible without the great assistance we have received. Local Port Macquarie resident Janette Hyde, has been both the driving force and the fairy godmother of the event. Championing us at every post and to every Mayor and Councillor of the area throughout the years. Port RSL which then became Port Panthers, Port Macquarie Hastings Council and Port Macquarie Touch Association all of whom are true partners of this magnificent event have ensured excellence in hosting abilities over the years to the one Touch Football event that everyone from across the globe wants to experience. We also must acknowledge you, our Touch Footballing community here in NSW. We are a community of people who have shared common interests in seeing our sport succeed. A community that sets a platform for inclusion that can and does transcend gender, culture, ability, age and geography. A community that makes a positive difference at every level. Thanks for all that you do for our game, no matter how small or how large a role you play. Finally, to those who went before us, thanks for building this game and building this event, the greatest event a ‘touchie’ can play in! Enjoy your weekend, play with a smile and Happy 30th birthday everyone. - Dean Russell On behalf of the Board of NSW Touch Association we wish to extend a welcome to all Affiliates, their players, coaches, managers, referees & officials to the 2018 State Cup. Our many thanks to the Affiliate committees who have spent many hours preparing their teams and ensuring that all required paperwork by NSWTA is completed. We have 232 teams entered and 270 referees along with our hard-working selectors. To the referees and selectors, we appreciate the many hours you spend at tournaments which do not go unnoticed. ThestaffofNSWTAaswellasvolunteers will be in attendance wearing Orange. They are willing to assist you with any enquiries you may have. We thank them for their dedication to ensure the tournament runs smoothly. To Port Macquarie Touch Association who once again host the State Cup, we thank them for their efforts prior to and during the weekend. We thank Hastings River Council & Panthers for their continued support. Special mention to Janette Hyde from Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association. Janette has been a tremendous support for us over many years. Good Luck to all teams, enjoy the weekend as you strive to achieve your best results and catch up with friends you have made over the years from across the State. Aileen May 2 | Keeping In Touch 2018 We are proud to be associated with NSW Touch and a sponsor of ‘Keeping in Touch’ 2017 CALL BUDGIE ON 0418 694 318