Page 23 - Annual Report 2016
P. 23

REGIONAL







                                                                     South West Queensland









              SWQ Touch continued its development of the sport in our region in 2016 by working with each of
              our affiliates to deliver technical courses, clinics and forums and by also encouraging members to
              make themselves available to participate at state and national events. We again worked closely with
              the school system as we acknowledge that it plays an extremely important role in fostering the
              sport and filtering participants into affiliated competitions.


              Our affiliates reported consistent
              participation numbers in senior
              competitions and pleasing growth in
              junior competitions. The standard of
              junior competition in our affiliates
              continues to improve – skill
              development and the opportunity to
              play often and at higher levels has had
              a positive impact.

              Provision of referee courses across
              the region remained a priority and we
              are pleased to report that participation
              numbers were good. Our challenge
              is to continue both the growth in our
              referee numbers and supporting
              higher accreditation to ensure the
              sustainability of the sport in our region.
              Several of our referees received
              upgrades during the year and our
              representation at regional, state and
              national tournaments was strong. We                                SWQ Touch would like to thank the
              also welcomed 48 foundation coaches                                committees, referees, coaches and
              and 33 talent coaches to our ranks this    THE COMMITMENT          volunteers at each of our affiliates
              year through courses delivered by state  AND ENERGY THAT WE        for providing a great product for
              development officer Terry McSweeney   SEE FROM THE PEOPLE           their members. The growth and
              and Titans Elite 8 coach John Singh.                               achievements in our region would not
                                               INVOLVED AT CLUB,                 be possible without all parties working
              Participation in SWQ tournaments   ASSOCIATION, AFFILIATE          together. At a time when it is difficult
              grew in 2016 – the Swans Junior Cup   AND REGIONAL LEVEL IS        to recruit and retain volunteers, the
              in Toowoomba (first leg of the Titans                               SWQ region is very fortunate to have so
              Tri-Series) doubled to 132 teams,   INSPIRING AND WE THANK         many people willing to give their time
              the Swans Secondary All Schools in   EVERYONE INVOLVED             to help grow and develop the sport.
              Toowoomba grew to 74 teams and the                                 The commitment and energy that we
              Swans Primary All Schools in Dalby   State Championships – an outstanding   see from the people involved at club,
              increased slightly to 27 teams. We   effort. Our six teams were once again   association, affiliate and regional level
              also had excellent representation by   very competitive with five progressing   is inspiring and we thank everyone
              players, coaches and referees at the   to the semi finals and the 14 Boys   involved.
              National Touch League, Junior State   reaching the grand final. From this
              Championships and National Youth   tournament, we had 18 players selected
              Championships during the year. SWQ   in Queensland squads or merit teams,   Reg Hart
              finished fourth overall at the Junior   reinforcing the strength in our juniors.  Chairman








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