High Performance Herald - Touch Football Australia

Issue # 4 - December 2006
“High Performance Herald”
Official Australian Team World Cup Newsletter
WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN COMMENCES ..
There might be just 3 sleeps until Santa comes to town, but around Australia
there are a group of people with an equally important countdown to monitor.
Inside this issue:
There are in fact, 25 sleeps until Australia’s World Cup crown goes on the line.
The scorching summer heat, the lure of the Beach, the odyssey to find that
shady park, ANY Park whilst shopping, and the good will of the festive season
have provided a welcome distraction for Australia’s elite Touch Footballers
preparing for the FIT Sixth World Cup in Stellenbosch, South Africa, 17—21
January 2007.
The Final Countdown
1
Tour Administration
2
A Set of Six…
4
The pointy end of the Australian World Cup Teams preparations is fast
approaching with the last scheduled Training camp completed for all seven
teams last weekend.
From the Coaches’ Box
The Open Men took their final camp to Rockhampton in Central Queensland in
search of sustained pressure from quality opposition under championship
conditions in the heat of the Queensland summer.
The remaining six World Cup Australian Teams - The Open Women, Open
Mixed, Mixed 30s, Men’s 35s, and Men’s 40s gathered at St. Gregory’s
College ,Campbelltown, for a pivotal weekend of training and game play.
The teams went through their paces under the watchful gaze of National
Coaching staff, Head Coach Ian Stanley, Director of Elite Programs Cathy
Gray, Sports Scientist Ben Wisbey, Game Development Manager Colm Maguire
and new National High performance Coordinator Wayne Grant.
Wayne Grant was particularly impressed with the professionalism and work
ethic of all teams evident in their performances over the weekend.
“Every team treated the camp like a dress rehearsal for the World Cup. There
were three timeslots a day, a replication of recovery protocols to be used in
South Africa, attention to detail from the High Performance referees, and a
genuine desire from Coaches and teams to use this time thoughtfully and
achieve goals that will compliment our defence of the World Cup.” Grant said.
Grant was impressed with the performances of all teams at the live-in camp in
Sydney and feels the teams are on target to produce the goods in South
Africa.
“The Women’s Open looked particularly sharp, the Mixed Open looked good as
well - the fact that two new females joined the Mixed hardly raised a ripple.
Rebecca Tavo and Kelly McGennity joined the team and looked at home
straight away and that is testimony to the NTS Program and the development
strategies in place.”
The Senior Mixed played against a Kiwi combination led by Mr Touch himself,
the ageless Peter Walters and that helped players appreciate the style of
game they will be up against. The Men’s 35s used the time to gel together
(Continued on page 3)
Performance Boost
5
Touch - The Global Game
6
Media Coverage
9
World Cup Facts # 4
NRL Star’s World Cup
Wisdom
10
Relax!
11
Michael Broadbent
Profile
12
Medical Support Staff
13
Protea Hotel Info
Rumble In the Jungle!
14
World Cup Administration
Last weekend ‘s training camp was a great success for all teams
touring to South Africa with the Men’s Open enjoying the hospitality
of Rockhampton Touch and the rest of the Australian teams
unfortunately battling the rain in Sydney.
Special thanks goes to both host venues being Rocky Touch and St
Gregs College at Campbelltown, from all accounts every team and
the HP Referee Program were able to work on many different areas
to help their preparation in the lead up to the World Cup!
Touch Football Australia
Contact Marianne Maguire on
Ph. 07 3420 4646
Fax. 07 3420 4664
Email.
[email protected]
International Flights—Ticket Distribution
IST are going through the final stages of documentation for all of the international travel with
itineraries and final brief information coming along in the early new year. Tickets will be
distributed at the airports for the open contingent and the seniors should see your tickets
available when you get your uniforms in either Sydney or Brisbane. Those in regional areas or
interstate, you will get your tickets through the mail. If you do not get these by the 8th January
please contact Philip on Ph (02) 99226166 or email [email protected] .
Travel Insurance
In a communication dated 21st December, TFA have confirmed that all members of the Tour
group need to take out your own travel insurance. For further information see the HP website or
you should also get a letter in the mail explaining recommendations made by TFA. For more
information on this area contact National Insurance & Affiliation Manager Lyn Dunn on 1800 654
951 or email [email protected] .
Extra Uniform Orders & Camp Costs
All participants who have ordered additional uniform items or optional gear as well as those
seniors who have incurred Camp costs need to have these payments settled with the Canberra
Office (1800 654 951) by Friday 5th January 2007. Uniform and final tickets will be held up for
all those who do not make payments in a timely manner and could jeopardise a player or officials
ability to participate in games while in South Africa.
Uniform Dissemination
Most participants who attended the camps over the weekend should have if they ordered them the
following: Large Travel Bag, Medium Kit Bag, Spray Jacket, Event T-Shirt, Waterbottle, Hat &
Visor. The remaining items are projected to be ready in the first week of January. It is likely that
uniform dissimilation for Sydney & Brisbane will occur on one day between the dates 5—10th
January. With confirmation on the exact date to be released on the 3rd January 2007. All
regional area based participants will have arrangements made on an individual basis during that
same week.
Communication Over Christmas Period
TFA Offices will be closed from 22nd December—8th January, however Colm Maguire, Wayne
Grant and Marianne Maguire will remain contactable over the period. Except 23rd—30th
December—Please :)
Call us on mobile or email, we will not be available at the QLD Office.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
IST have recommended to TFA an insurance known as ‘Covermore’. This insurance
covers for participants who are in a foreign country participating in sport. Many
insurances do not cover for this, so ensure yours does! To get more information or to
take out Covermore insurance contact IST on 02 99226166 or email
[email protected] . Check all options available to you.
Have a great Xmas & see you in January 2007
Page 3
Touch Football Australia
WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN COMMENCES .....cont
(Continued from page 1)
whilst the Mens 40s were looking sharp and well drilled.” Grant said.
One of the more pleasing aspect of the camp was the level of interaction and
shared knowledge between coaches, referees, and players as each worked
together to achieve the optimum environment for the best possible preparation
for the World Cup.
The Men’s Open camp in Rockhampton was an overwhelming success from a
Team preparation, logistical, and public relations viewpoint. The Men’s open
were feted like kings in the Touch Football stronghold and the positives on and
off the field of play were a great pointer to the future direction and locations
for National camps.
The team conducted clinics for juniors, participated in a 3 game series with a
Central Queensland selection, attended a dinner in their honour, and completed
several sharp and intense sessions in seering heat to put the finishing touches
on their team preparation.
Respected observers report that the Aussie Men’s Open Team were in
sparkling form and produced a high level of teamwork and combination that
Two of the most dangerous players
suggests that their 2007 World Cup assault is well and truly on track.
in the world today - Jason Stanton
TFA Game Development Manager Colm Maguire
& Drummayne Dayberg-Muir.
believes all Australian Teams are on track and has
flagged future National camps for regional affiliate
locations in the future.
“The response to TFA taking National teams to regional localities has been received
fantastically well and we will certainly consolidate in the future in this area.” Mr Maguire
said.
National Players will now take the festive week to freshen up and maintain fitness levels
before resuming lighter, quality sessions in the final stages of the realization of their
World Cup dreams.
Conditioning & fitness sessions will continue to be offered for WC07 reps in the crucial
few weeks leading up to departure for Stellenbosch on 13 January 2007.
Aussie MXO top cat Gary Madders - laying
down the law to his
troops.
Qld based South East Qld corner based players will recommence on Thursday 28
December 2006 at 6.15pm sharp at Beenleigh Touch Association, Bill Norris Oval,
Boundary Rd, Beenleigh.
“Pick-up” Games will be held on Saturday 30 December 2006 and Saturday 6
January 2007 at Whites Hill reserve at 9.00am for all interested players keen to get a
game or two under their belts in warm conditions. Contact [email protected] for details.
NSW based players check with your team coaches for specific details of any additional sessions being offered in
the final weeks of your lead-up.
Stacey Lapham - one of the
many NSW contingent hitting
the training paddock over
coming weeks in preparation
for Australia’s World Cup
defence.
Page 4
Touch Football Australia
A set of Six with … Kelly “Wood- Duck” Woods
Each edition an Australian World Cup representative will be asked a “set of six”
rapid fire questions. This issue, 2007 Australian Women’s Open Representative
and queen of the head snap, Kelly Woods welcomes us into her world.
1. How has your preparation been for the 2007 World Cup?
"Small steps climb big mountains!" It’s building nicely. My training is designed so
that by the time World Cup comes around, I will be peaking and at my optimum
fitness level.
2. Worst Christmas gift you ever received ?
Hmm, a mirror purse! What the heck would I do with that!
3. Finish this sentence, “When you win.....
“Wahooo!” - followed by a jump in the air, with a few AIR pumps!
4. Where did the famous Wood duck "Head snap" come from?
Well, back in the good old days, it was actually one of my fav. dance moves - so I
thought I'd add it to my step, and to my surprise “the wood-duck headsnap” was
born ... Trust me, It never works!
5. Vegetables or Salad with your meal?
Greek Salad, for sure!
6. Do you know who the first Prime Minister of Australia was?
3 things you didn’t know about
the Wood-Duck
1. Started playing touch in Ipswich
to get the day off school.
2. Always fall asleep watching DVD's
3. Loves just a simple cheese pizza!
Sir Edmund Barton - (Thanks Google!!!!)
From the Coaching Box — Quotes on Open’s Training Camp # 4
Australian Women’s Open Coach
Kerry Norman:
Australian Open Men’s Coach
Tony Trad:
Australian Mixed Open Coach
Gary Madders:
We have been building each camp and the
girls were very focused and determined to
get things in order in terms of preparation,
game day routines, and recovery techniques.
We took our camp to Rockhampton and it
was the best camp I’ve ever been
involved in at this level.
We had another solid camp. We have
added two new girls to the squad since
our last camp in Rebecca Tavo and
Kelly McGennity, and both fitted in
extremely well.
We had some great games against the other
national teams, & our fitness and skill level
held up well under intense scrutiny.
It was a further boost to the team to see
Billy & Pitty running strongly after a few
injury niggles earlier in the campaign.
Louise Winchester was again in fine form
and they all put in a fantastic effort.
We finished off the camp on Sunday by
going to the Beach Footy and spending time
with our Youth Players, who gave a good
account of themselves in the tournament.
We’re looking forward to WC07 and feel
very prepared for the challenge ahead.
The boys trained well, were focused, and
handled the oppressive conditions very
well.
Everyone was really on the ball, but our
wingers Chris Farrow and Anthony Ziade
were absolutely outstanding, and from our
viewpoint it is a perfect lead-up.
The guys will take a week off for
Christmas, then refocus with some light
training and sharpen up for the World
Cup.
We are definitely ready.
Our attack is coming together pretty
well and we are solidifying our
defensive game well.
There is a good feeling in the camp and
the players are really pulling in the same
direction as we build closer to our
departure.
Everyone is committed to achieving the
same goal and with a little more
tinkering we will have our plan in place.
Co-Captain Mary Steele was in
sensational form and all players are
putting their best foot forward
World Cup Whispers— ’The Shadow’ Knows ...
Not content to simply allow Australia & New Zealand to battle out for the gold,
former Aussie Youth Coach, Adam Collins, has been recruited by the English
Touch Association to whip their Mixed Open team into shape.
Astute students of the game would also be aware that Adam was on board
with South Africa for the 2003 World Cup in Japan, and now arguably becomes
the first coach to be able to boast they’ve held national coaching appointments
across three (3) different continents!
Page 5
Performance Boost
Touch Football Australia
LANCE ARMSTRONG ON TEAM WORK
Lance Armstrong: Cancer survivor and 7- time Tour De France winner is the most popular answer to
the question posed to many of you in the TFA Player Profiles on the “Sports Person you most
admire”. So even though we’ve already featured Lance, I have compiled a few quotes on the page on
the subject of teamwork from his inspirational accounts of his life experiences in his books, and from
various press clippings. I hope his notion of team strikes a chord with you all.
TEAM
“You can’t always tell what makes a great team – but you know one when you see it, because the
team members like each other.
They hang together; laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.
They celebrate each other’s triumphs and are there on the bad days too…. No ego or self-interest
– all-team or all-nothing, if you aren’t thinking team first then you should stay at home.
I am all I am because of my team and you live to share those special and hard earned triumphs with them – achieving
something that significant with such a special group of people is a feeling that can never be taken away.”
“TEAM FIRST – WHERE WE GO ONE, WE GO ALL.”
“The smart athlete and person knows that if self-sacrifice is hard, self-interest is worse. It dooms a team; you
wind up a bunch of singletons who just happen to wear the same shirts….
A great team is a mysterious thing, hard to create, much less duplicate – people talk about teamwork all the
time. but few understand it.”
“If you truly invest in a team, you guarantee yourself a return on your investment - that’s a
big competitive advantage over other less committed teams.
In our team we invest in each other’s efforts – and the result is we often have the sensation
that we’re racing against teams that merely spend themselves. What’s smarter, to invest or
spend? Investment implies a longer-term commitment: it’s not shallow or ephemeral; it’s
enduring and it suggests a long-term return.”
“Self-interest is isolating… When you work in collaboration, you’re responsible to each other, and therefore much less
likely to shirk your responsibilities or cheat your team. Teamwork is not only performance-enhancing, it’s comforting. You
are never alone, and whether you have a six-mile climb up an alp and a cadre of attackers behind you, or a round of chemo
in front of you, that’s extremely reassuring.”
“Pro athletes talk about “My Game”, but your game doesn’t belong to you when
you’re on a team – there’s no such thing as “My Game” there is only the game.
Your effort belongs to your team mates and theirs belong to you, and they’re
inextricable.”
“To me the definition of a team is a group of people who share the same aim, experience and values
and who respect the middle ground in between.”
“We don’t do anything alone, none of us … I certainly didn’t fight cancer alone or regain my health by some
extraordinary solo effort - doctors, family, and friends, they all pulled together went in the same
direction and worked together to heal me. I never won the Tours alone – team mates, mechanics, all the
support staff played their part - anyone who imagines they can work alone winds up surrounded by nothing
but rivals, without companions. The fact is; No one ascends alone.”
“When one of us struggles we all struggle – when one of us triumphs, we all triumph - it makes
sense that friendships forged in the heat of battle endure long after the event finishes. It’s the
glue that binds the team together – having that implicit trust and belief in everyone means we
don’t look over our shoulder – we just keep looking ahead – all in the same direction with an
unbreakable resolve to see the journey through.”
Page 6
Touch Football Australia
TOUCH - THE GLOBAL GAME! ...
Proving the ever increasing popularity
On a social level, they have many
of Touch around the planet, HPH is
organizations and community groups
pleased to continue it’s series on
playing the sport. At the competitive
touch pockets across the globe. This
level, the game is largely played in the
issue we present readers with a triple
capital city of Suva. The number of
treat, as we cover off: Fiji, Samoa,
players involved at this level is about
& Germany.
600.
SAMOAN TOUCH has been up &
Fiji are in the process of liaising with
interested stakeholders in Nadi to set
running since 1991, and now boasts
Fiji & Samoa do battle against each
other at the 2005 SPIN tournament.
approximately 300 members.
Interest has been overwhelming since
Samoa hosted the 2005 South Pacific Island Nations
(SPIN) tournament last year, and with the recent
introduction of Touch into the school system is
expected to continue into the future.
The recent visit by Lester Fox & Bernie Schrader
(TouchNZ) was invaluable; providing Samoa with
guidelines to ensure they are doing every thing
possible to adequately prepare their squads for not
only
the
2007
FIT
World
Cup,
but
also
the
forthcoming South Pacific Games.
Samoa is confident that with the consistency of their
Men’s team especially, they’ll be gunning for a gold
medal at the World Cup. With the South Pacific
Games next year, they have decided to allow New
Zealand
based
players
(where
applicable)
to
participate in South Africa, with locally based players
flying the Samoan flag at the 2007 South Pacific
Games.
up a competition there. Initially, Nadi
was the main competition centre, but
interest in the sport withered when Kirk Jennings and
Robin Stevens departed. These two gentleman were
integral in the administration of the sport in Fiji at
both local and international level.
Developing the local game is a major priority for Fijian
Touch, and all but 1 member (living in Australia)
attending the World Cup will be Fiji based.
“We are approaching it (World Cup) from the
perspective whereby we will address the processes
and let the results
look
after
themselves.
Our
goal is to finish
amongst the top 3
in the categories
we are competing
in.”
said
Tevita
Mau (Fijian Touch
President).
Like the majority of the countries spoken to so far,
Samoa refuse to single out individuals for attention standing
belief
true
that
to
the
their
whole
squad is solid across the
board, and will play a
team orientated game to
get them across the line
come Finals.
FIJI
the
Federation
of Touch back in the
nineties.
for the World Cup is a balanced side. There is no
single player to really watch out for. The ‘modus
operandi’ of the group is more team oriented than
individual based. We will be a bit short on big game
exposure, but will bring a lot of enthusiasm to the
games.”
Tevita says that Fiji learnt a lot of lessons from
participating
joined
International
“The side preparing
Tavita catches up with ‘Bus’ at the
2006 State of Origin series in
Brisbane.
at
the
All Nations in New
Zealand in 2005.
Some of the spin-offs
from
the
lessons
Page 7
Touch Football Australia
TOUCH - THE GLOBAL GAME! ... Cont.
learnt were in the following areas:
• Fiji Touch Rugby Association has restructured its competition format to promote competitions at different level
tiers.
• Touch now has a season of its own.
• They have initiated an age group competition.
• Planned is regular attendance of national sides at international competitions; & sending of representatives to
technical workshops.
Fijian Touch is grateful for the assistance provided to them by both Australia and New Zealand and looks forward
to continuing partnership with the two powerhouses of the sport.
TOUCH DEUTSCHLAND (GERMANY)
has unfortunately shelved plans to attend the
forthcoming World Cup, but have definitely set their sights on 2011.
Robbie Macgregor, an Australian expat, along with Matthew Innes, a Kiwi expat, brought
the sport to Berlin and Munich respectively back in 2002. They started by simply meeting in
a public park on Sundays where they played social Touch.
Including social players who come to weekend social touch in the park in the various
towns, Robbie estimates they have around 120 players involved. As far as official members
of Touch Deutschland, they estimate between 50 - 60.
Germany has 4 main groups/clubs in Germany now - Berlin, Cologne, Munich and Frankfurt.
There are also a number of keen individuals around the country living in towns where there is no touch at
present. As far as comps go, Germany operate on a weekend tournament basis as the numbers in the towns are
not enough yet to support regular leagues, although they are getting close to that happening in some parts.
There are 4 main tournaments in Germany - the German Championships (which will be held in Men’s & Women’s
format for the first time in 2007) and the "Super Series" - three stand alone mixed tournaments - Capital Cup
(Berlin), Bavarian Open (Munich) & Cologne Cup - the result of which all count toward the overall "Super Series"
title. Germany also have an annual ‘friendly’ tournament between France & Germany (the "Greenstone Hook")
which is now heading into it’s 5th series in 2007, and will expand to include Belgium & Switzerland for the first
time, and also possibly some senior teams from the UK.
Growth of the game has been steady rather than rapid. This is due to the fact that the German’s focus has been
very much on getting the foundations in place so that when they do experience some big growth, they are ready
to handle it. The priorities for the last couple of years have been getting the German touch association
registered, building a base of qualified referees through the Touch Europe Referee system (they now have 13
qualified referees) and establishing a national calendar of events. The aims for this year are coaching
development and most definitely growth in numbers.
The European Championships were the German’s main goal for this year. When they attended the 2004 Euros
the goal was simply to be there and take part. (“That was an achievement as apart from myself, NO other player
in the squad had actually played a real game of touch ie. full field, full teams, refs, a real comp etc. “ Robbie
adds).
This year Germany had a lot of new faces in the squads and fielded 3 teams rather than just two, but the main
difference being that the majority of players in their squads now are regular players who will be around for the
long term, and will form the core of the national teams for some years to come. This is a real positive as Touch
Deutschland can now plan more long term for the development of their national players rather than continually
Page 8
Touch Football Australia
TOUCH - THE GLOBAL GAME! ... Cont.
going back to square one.
“I think the biggest lesson gained from this year's Euros was simply the realisation that
they can and HAVE learnt this new game in a relatively short time and CAN be competitive
against the other more established countries in Europe despite the limited opportunities
they have for competition and development. Our aim for the euros was simply for each
team to win a game and finish off the bottom of the ladder. We ended up with both the
Mens & Womens teams making the semi finals! We had only 3 expats among the teams
with any sort of previous representative experience, and although they provided leadership
and direction on the field, the most encouraging thing was that it was the German players
all around them that really stood up to the plate and punched well above their weight.
They now know what they can achieve” boasts Robbie proudly.
Approximately 70% of the German squad at the 2006 European Championships were German nationals, which is
something Touch Deutschland are very proud of. Germany have an aim as an association to reach a minimum of
75% by the 2008 Euros so they are ahead of schedule on this goal.
“In some ways our teams feel almost 100% home grown German as the majority of expats in the national teams
are long term residents of Germany with German partners or families, and have learnt all their touch since being
here in Germany. Although there is always room for expats with experience that will help the locals develop, we
feel that if we are ever going to establish ourselves in a country with such a national obsession with soccer it is
very important that when young Germans look at their national teams they see mostly German names there, and
as a result see a sport that offers a pathway rather than seeing an exclusive expat sport.” says Robbie.
Thanks to Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa), Tevita Mau (Fiji), Robbie Macgregor & Matthew Innes (Germany) for their
assistance with this article. For more information on touch football in Samoa, Fiji & Germany - please refer to the
contact details on the FIT website: www.internationaltouch.org
TOUCH HISTORY ALMANAC
Have you ever wondered how many
games or years you have played for
Australia, NSW or your Region? Who
has played the most games and what
teams they played for? Wondered who
is the leading touchdown scorer or
what team holds the records for most
touchdowns or winning streak?
The Poms - fresh from their clean sweep of the
Euros this year - will be out to show the southern
hemisphere teams that they’re no push over!!
Well, Cary Thompson has religiously kept these records
over the past 25 years and has produced a history of
every player, coach or referee to represent Australia, their
State or their Region from 1980 to 2005.
Details can be found in the recently
“Thompson’s Touch Alamanac (1980-2005)”.
The book is available for purchase from TFA.
published
Page 9
Touch Football Australia
MASSIVE MEDIA COVERAGE IN LEAD-UP TO WORLD CUP
Touch Football Australia (TFA) National Representative Teams and squads were involved in a series of camps
and events around the Country on the weekend that led to widespread media coverage and massive promotional
exposure for the code on a National scale.
TFA fielded an Australian Women's Invitational Team in the Harvey Norman Beach Footy Series at Sydney's
Maroubra beach on the 16-17 December 2006. The event featured six elite teams battling it out for $100,000 in
prize money for their chosen charity.
Four of the teams - The Blues, the Maroons, the Pacific Islanders, and the Young Guns comprised wall to wall
National Rugby League superstars, whilst the Australian Women's Invitational Beach Footy team, and a Celebrity
Team headlined by Andrew Johns, and Anthony Mundine completed the stellar field.
The event received massive media exposure in print, radio, and television mediums through broadcast partners
Channel Nine, News Limited, and Nova FM, and the Women's Beach Footy Team were featured prominently.
Among the media exposure TFA received was the front page story of a four page
Beach Footy liftout in Sydney's Daily Telegraph on Friday, live radio interviews with
Women's players and updates on Nova FM, and 2UE, exposure on several National
network news bulletins, and Channel Ten's Sports Tonight.
Channel Nine taped the Beach Footy Series and it will be aired in late February/
early March in the lead-up to the NRL season kick-off.
The Australian Men's Open Team travelled to Rockhampton for their final training camp of their 2007 World Cup
campaign and enjoyed saturation exposure from the local media.
The Touch Football loving town rolled out the red carpet for Tony Trad's men and the 3
game series against a Central Queensland combination that featured Rugby League
superstar Benji Marshall turning out as an Invitational player for Central Queensland in
the last game, received daily print and television coverage in the region.
To cap off an exciting time promotionally for the sport, the Australian Open Women's
Team were featured on Channel Ten's Sports Tonight program Sunday evening in an
excellent piece on their record as arguably Australia's most
successful National Women's sporting Team.
The Aussie girls have gone undefeated in 45 consecutive World Cup games, in a 19
year unblemished run in World Cup competition.
A further piece on the Australian Men's Open Team will be featured on Sports
Tonight before all seven teams depart Australia's shores bound for Stellenbosch,
South Africa on January 13, 2007.
There will be media stories circulating in the lead-up to the World Cup on Australian representative players and
Teams so keep your eyes peeled for World Cup stories around the nation in coming weeks .
World Cup Facts # 4— The Graduates!
With the next wave of “young guns” soon to be announced, what better time than now to reflect upon those who have
graduated through Australia’s top youth ranks (2001 & 2005 Youth World Cups), and are now Stellenbosch bound as
part of the Australian Open teams, out to defend Australia’s world champion tag. An impressive list indeed!
CLASS OF 2001
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Anthony Ziade (Men’s 20’s)
Ash Farrow (Boys 18’s)
Ben Roberts (Boys 18’s)
Bo De La Cruz (Women’s 20’s)
Brad Holden (Men’s 20’s)
Hayley Rogerson (Mixed 18’s)
Kelly McGennity (Girls 18’s)
Louise Winchester (Women’s 20’s)
•
•
•
•
Matt Tope (Boys 18’s)
Rebecca Tavo (Mixed 18’s)
Stacey Lapham (Women’s 20’s)
Steve Roberts (Men’s 20’s)
CLASS OF 2005
•
•
•
•
Andrew Baggio (Men’s 20’s)
Clare Winchester (Women’s 20’s)
Kelly McGennity (Women’s 20’s)
Roxy Winder (Women’s 20’s)
Page 10
Performance Boost
Touch Football Australia
NRL STARS OFFER WORLD CUP WISDOM ...
The Inaugural Harvey Norman Beach Footy Challenge was conducted at Sydney’s Maroubra Beach last
weekend with Touch Football Australia fielding an Australian Women’s Invitational Beach Footy team in the
exciting new event.
The six team field included the Women’s Team comprising 7 of Australia’s brightest Youth female prospects,
with 2 time World Cup veteran Giselle Martin as Captain, a Celebrity team, and four sides- the Maroons, the
Blues, the Pacific Islanders, and the Young Guns that were chockfull of National Rugby League (NRL)
Superstars.
Head and shoulders above the sea of assembled superstars stood two players whose talent, rare athleticism,
leadership, and freakish vision sets them apart as footballing blue bloods operating on a rarified plane.
Both regarded as modern day legends, both having had the honour of captaining their
Country, State, and Club to International, Origin ,and Premiership glory.
Both recipients of the illustrious “Golden Boot” for the World’s Best player in their stellar
careers, and both seemingly untouched by the hype that surrounds them.
Darren Lockyer and Andrew Johns stand as absolute monuments to the game of Rugby
League.
In between playing Beach Footy, signing autographs, posing for photos, and doing
interviews, both of the boys showed their champion qualities to take time out of their busy
schedules to give their good luck messages to the National teams headed to South Africa
for the sixth FIT World Cup January 17-21 2007.
Kangaroo, Queensland, and Broncos skipper Lockyer is a former Qld 15 Years Schoolboys Touch Football
representative being plucked from the South West Qld schoolboys from his home town of Roma to represent
QSST in 1992.
The man who completed an extraordinary 2006 by winning every title on offer in Rugby League, takes a keen
interest in the game of Touch Football.
“It’s a really quick game. The Open Women’s have a very impressive record don’t they? We thought the young
girls were great too - they pushed us harder than anyone today - I can just imagine how good the Open
Women are now.
We played them a few years back in a promo game and they were pretty good then, it’s a great record they
have built in anyone’s language.” Lockyer mused.
The girls would feel like we do in most games; we go in with everyone expecting us to win. That fear of losing
is good though, you know what’s at stake, and it’s one of the reasons the really great teams win. I just
wanted to wish Sharyn and the girls all the best. I’ll definitely be keen to hear some good news from South
Africa.
World Cups are really special - you work hard for the opportunity to test yourself and be the World’s best and
you really have to make every post a winner.” Lockyer said.
To all seven of the Aussie teams, we’re behind you and wishing you every success. Keep those Kiwis at bay
and give it your all. Winning for your Country is the best feeling you can have.” Lockyer said.
Newcastle Knights Captain, Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns was carving them up on the Maroubra sand on the weekend
with his sublime skill level and genius footy brain on show in the Beach Footy tournament.
He too, was impressed with the fitness, skill, speed, and guile of the young Aussie girls in action in the Beach
Footy, and was full of praise for the Aussie Women’s Open World Cup record.
“45 games on the trot over 19 years, that’s unbelievable… How do we go about getting a
bet on the girls? “ ’Joey’ smiled.
“Seriously, it’s a fast, skillful game and I can only imagine at International level it’s even
quicker. Playing the sport you love at the highest level is great, and pulling on the green
and gold, there are not too many better feelings than that.
You are representing 19 million Australians and I’ve no doubt the 7 teams Touch Football
Australia is sending to the World Cup will do us proud.
Johns reserved special praise for Australian Women’s Captain Sharyn Williams, and twins Kristy and Amanda
Judd who will be playing a record fourth World Cup in the Open divisions in South Africa.
“That’s a pretty fair effort - to be around at International level that long takes consistency, dedication,
longevity and real skill– I respect that immensely. Johns noted.
“Good luck to all the Aussie teams, fingers crossed for a clean sweep.” Johns said.
Page 11
Touch Football Australia
ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME ...
Continuing from last issue’s “Leisure Page” - this edition we provide the puzzle answers, an A-Z of musical hits,
and a follow up to our “What’s in a Name?” story. Enjoy!!
WHAT’S IN A NAME? - PLENTY IT SEEMS!
Last month’s story on a name for our National teams certainly drummed up a
bit of interest. There was plenty of variety in the names suggested by the
current crop of players, ranging from the extremely imaginative to the
downright ludicrous (eg: hills hoists), however it seems the majority were
unanimous in their support of the proposed ‘Boomerangs’ moniker.
Auditions for the ‘boomerang’ mascot will be called for shortly.
LEFT: The ‘boomerang’
styled uniforms of the mid
90’s were very popular
amongst players and
spectators alike.
Aussie players mixing with the locals
on the 2004 South Africa / Euro tour.
Shown here is the allconquering 1995 Men’s
Open World Cup team.
PUZZLE ANSWERS (From last issue)
HOW OLD?
During a break in touch training, three good friends - Tom,
Mark and Steve - noticed that their ages added up to 29 years.
If Mark is four years older than Tom, and Steve is six years
older than Mark, how old is Tom?
ANSWER:
Tom - 5 years; Mark - 9 years; Steve - 15 years.
MR JACKSON STRIKES AGAIN!
One solution is:
1 7 5
4
6
8 3 2
MIXED UP SPORTS!
BILTTNANESE = Table Tennis
RTERGNIOEINE = Orienteering
RGLTWENSI = Wrestling
TBLALFSO = Softball
SCGTYTNMAIS = Gymnastics
An A-Z of music to load into your MP3
player before heading to the 2007 FIT
World Cup:
A - All or Nothing (Athena Cage)
B - Breathe (Kylie Minogue)
C - Can’t Touch This (MC Hammer)
D - Down Under (Men at Work)
E - Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)
F - Fighter (Chrisina Aguilera)
G - Go The Distance (Michael Bolton)
H - Hero (Foo Fighters)
I - Inner Smile (Texas)
J - Jump (Van Halen)
K - Khe San (Cold Chisel)
L - Lose Yourself (Eminem)
M - My Island Home (Chrisine Anu)
N - No Second Prize (Jimmy Barnes)
O - One Moment in Time (Whitney Houston)
P - Pressue (Billy Joel)
Q - Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)
R - Run It (Chris Brown)
S - Simply the Best (Tina Turner)
T - Thunderstruck (AC/DC)
U - Under Pressure (Queen)
V - Vertigo (U2)
W - Worlds Greatest (R. Kelly)
X - Explosive (Bond)
Y - You Can Do It (Ice Cube)
Z - The Zephyr Song (Red Hot Chilli Peppers)
Also recommended are: Glory Days; Let’s Stick
Together; Holy Grail; & We Are The
Champions!
Page 12
Touch Football Australia
THE MAN BEHIND THE LENSE ...
Sporting Images has been the one and only photographic agency shooting for
Australian Touch for more than a decade now, continually providing a presence at
every event TFA run.
They provide team and action shots for all those involved, as well as for websites and
media requests .. and of course, many of the great shots contained here within the
High Performance Herald.
Michael Broadbent (or ‘Broady’ as he is affectionately known) will yet again be along
for the ride to South Africa in just over 3 weeks time as well - ensuring there’s plenty of
action shots to remind you of this wonderful experience. During the tournament he will
produce around 8,000 photographs and work 16+ hours per day.
“I’m looking forward to the trip to South Africa this time around; I have been to Stellenbosch before and have
even seen the playing venue and hotel which the Australian teams will call home.” Michael said.
“It has the potential to be hot and very demanding conditions at this time of year in South Africa. Plus the
competition will be red hot across all the divisions with New Zealand dead keen to teach the Aussies a lesson.”
He said.
“I think all players will have to dig deep and step up even more than they usually do, it will be that close!”
Michael says for this tour Australian Players, Coaches and Staff will be receiving a 16” x 20” photographic poster
incorporating team photos, action photos of them selves plus other general images from the event.
“It will make a great product for players to hang on their wall at home or in their office. Playing at the World
Cup is a big achievement and the poster will act as a great piece of history to help remember the experience and
can be passed on to the next generation.”
“It will be a very busy time for me, as we are taking only one photographer to cover all seven Australian Teams.
No time for sight seeing. Lucky I got my white pointer shark dive in last time I visited South Africa.”
World Cup posters will be distributed to each person at the National Touch League in March.
Sporting Images now have six office staff, another 8 photographers (depending on the time of year) and shoot
every major touch tournament in Australia, as well as traveling with the TFA to overseas events such as the 2007
FIT World Cup.
Broady has been taking photos of touch football events since 1994, and has no hesitation in praising the events,
the players and the people involved.
“Both at a state and national level the people and events are as good as any that I work with. The players and
officials have a great attitude and there is a real community sense about the sport, especially compared to some
other sports" he said.
"Some of my best friends are people that I've met through touch.
How can you go past Kerry Norman (current Australian Women’s
Open Coach) trying to change the TV channel with her mobile
phone?" Broady said.
"But seriously, we do really enjoy taking good action pictures of
people we know and the touch community."
"We enjoy showing the face of touch to the world through our
photos and especially taking pictures of touch legends that have
passed on and people will always see and remember."
Page 13
Touch Football Australia
THE HANDS THAT HEAL - MEDICAL SUPPORT STAFF
ROB HOY: PHYSIOPHERAPIST
Born and bred in Goulburn, NSW, but raised in Coffs Harbour, Rob has been working
closely with sporting teams since graduating from his physio course back in 1990. He
has subsequently been involved with the Southern Suns and other NTL teams since about 1999.
The 2007 FIT World Cup will present Rob with his second opportunity to visit South Africa, having previously
travelled there in 1995 to see the Rugby World Cup and do a 3 month Safari.
“Great memories. Stellenbosch is so picturesque” reflects Rob.
Rob joins the hard working TFA medical crew, alongside the likes of Shane, Steve, Louise, & Wardy - and will
undoubtedly get to know many players during his brief (but hectic) time in South Africa.
A CASTLE FIT FOR KINGS & QUEENS - ...
THE PROTEA HOTEL
Based in a Science and Technology park, Techno Park, this 176bedroomed hotel is flanked by two international class golf courses and a
fine selection of wine farms.
The north side of the property faces the Stellenbosch and Helderberg
mountains and, from the south, False Bay and Table Mountain may be
viewed in the distance.
The hotel provides state-of-the-art conference rooms, a fine dining restaurant, action bar and sun deck overlooking the Blaauwklippen vineyards.
All rooms have:
•
DSTV remote control TVs
•
Tea / coffee making facilities
•
Touch dial telephones
•
Individually controlled air conditioning
•
Electronic safe
•
Electronic key card security front doors
•
Computer / multi plug points
•
Breathtaking views of the vineyards and Stellenbosch mountains
•
Duvets
•
Bathroom en suite
•
Shaded carports available outside most apartments
•
High security
It certainly is an accommodation venue worthy of the impending World
Champs!
Page 14
Touch Football Australia
WHO’S WHO IN THE WORLD CUP ZOO? … FINAL UPDATE
DIVISIONS
MENS
WOMENS
MIXED
M30’s
MXD30’s
M35’s
M40’s
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
England
England
England
Fiji
England
France
Samoa
Fiji
Fiji
Jersey
Japan
New Zealand
South Africa
Singapore
Japan
Japan
New Zealand
Samoa
Singapore
Lebanon
New Zealand
South Africa
South Africa
Scotland
New Zealand
Scotland
Switzerland
Switzerland
South Africa
Scotland
Singapore
USA
USA
South Africa
South Africa
Wales
Wales
Wales
As at 22 Dec 06
LET’S GET READY TO RUMMMMMMBLE! ..
MIXED 30s
Australia v New Zealand - Fri 19th (Day 3) @ 8.30am
MEN’S OPEN
Australia v New Zealand - Fri 19th (Day 3) @ 9.25am
WOMEN’S OPEN
Australia v New Zealand - Fri 19th (Day 3) @ 10.20am
MIXED OPEN
Australia v New Zealand - Thurs 18th (Day 2) @ 2.00pm
Australia v New Zealand - Fri 19th (Day 3) @ 12.10pm
Trans Tasman rivalry hits fever pitch in the
“Thunderdome” on Day 3 of WC07!
High Performance Herald Newsletter Contributors:
• Karley Banks: Touch Football Australia National Media Coordinator: Co-Editor /
features / layout / design
• Peter Shefford: 2005 Youth World Cup 18 Years Mixed Assistant Coach: Co-Editor /
features / layout / design
• Marianne Maguire Touch Football Australia National AusTouch / High Performance Administration
• Colm Maguire: Touch Football Australia National Game Development Manager
• Cary Thompson: Federation of International Touch President - Statistical Data
• Michael Broadbent & Glen Eaton - Sporting Images - Player action photographs
• “InTouch” magazine (1999) - puzzle page.
• With special thanks to – Wayne Grant, Tony Trad, Kerry Norman, Gary Madders, Kelly
Woods, Gabrielle Apelu, Tevita Mau, Rob Hoy, Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, Robbie
MacGregor, Matthew Innes & Michael Broadbent for interviews.
To contact The Editor
Touch Football Australia
Media Coordinator
Karley Banks
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone:
0408068742
1300654002
Fax: 07) 34204664
Web-site:
www.austouch.com.au
NEXT (FINAL) EDITION: WEDNESDAY 10th JANUARY 2007