WESTSIDE (A BRIEF HISTORY)
Touch can be described as an adult version of the game of tag. Touch evolved from the rugby code where it was used for training purposes. After passing through a developmental period during the 1960's, the game became popular during the 70's and by early in the next decade, was established In all states and territories as a sport in its own right. The game is played on a rectangular field 70m in length by 50m wide. The two sides face each other with the attacking side carrying the ball forwards whilst trying to evade the defending side and placing the ball over the touchdown line. To stop them, the defending side has to place a touch on the attacking player with the ball. The attacking side get six attempts at this and then the ball is changed over to the opposing team. The ball is also automatically changed over if it is dropped or an infringement of the rules occur. Touch is a fast exciting team game and is a great way to stay in shape. Touch is growing rapidly nationally with well over 500 000 players registered Australia wide. Previously if you were living in the Western Suburbs you would have to travel into Melbourne or at least 35 minutes away to participate in a game of Touch lasting only 40 minutes. With the population constantly growing in the Western Suburbs, the opportunity arose for the sport to be played locally, thus the Westside Touch Association was founded. The Westside Touch Association originally operated at Waringa Crescent Reserve and then Mossfiel Park in Hoppers Crossing, in 1995. Because of our continuous growth the facilities required to run the competition successfully could not be found within the Western Suburbs. It was at this stage that RAAF Williams came to the party and through some liaising between the Westside committee and SQNLDR Cliff Winnett, and the generosity of the OC of RAAF Williams, it was decided to change the name to Westside /Defence Touch Association and utilise the tremendous facilities at RAAF Base Laverton. After a couple of successful years at RAAF Laverton Westside were posed with the problem of finding yet another playing venue. It from here that Westside found its current home at Bruce Comben Reserve, Central Avenue, Altona Meadows. The Westside Touch Association is now into its 18th season and has settled to approximately 23 mixed teams competing giving the association around 300 participating members of which a large portion are from the local community. Competition games are held on Wednesday Evenings, which is open for any willing participant with in the community. The Victorian Touch Association annually holds the State Affiliates championships of which the Westside Touch Association has previously won the overall Champion Affiliate with its Women's open, Men's over 30's and men's over 35's all winning their divisions back in 1998 and were again crowned overall affiliate champions in 2005 and 2010. Our Westside Representative sides have participated as far away as Mt Gambia (S.A.), Portland and Ballarat where our mixed side has won each of these invitational competitions as well as the once being the State Mixed Team title holders. Like any great sport a major sponsor has the opportunity for advertising. Westside is keen to help any local or interstate business with coverage. If a lot of fun, fitness and excitement interests you or you simply want to be involved with a successful association, please contact email Westside Touch at [email protected]
