There was all to play for last week as 27 International teams from across the UK, Europe & 3 teams from the UAE braced themselves for 3 days of tough competition as they fought to get their hands on a prestigious Junior European Touch Rugby Championship Gold Medal
Middle East Touch secured their place in the tournament’s history books, clinching a silver medal in the U18 girls grade in their 1st year competing in the grade. The team, under the captaincy of Catherine Richards & Grace Freeman, & with 5 players born in the UAE finished the pool games undefeated over 3 days of thrilling day of action, before securing their place in the final where they were beaten by England with a score of 4-1.
This year, the tournament – held in Dublin Ireland, upped the ante and helped the tournament reach a new, higher level of play by accepting entries from Sweden & Czech Republic to add to the 10 countries who participated in 2017
Playing their part to develop the game across the world, Middle East Touch entered 3 teams across 3 grades with a total of 41 children from Al Ain, Dubai & Abu Dhabi aged 11-18 participating in the Under 15 Mixed, Under 18 Mixed & Under 18 Girls grades.
With a new Centre of Excellence for Touch opening in Abu Dhabi at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in March 2017, and the number of school programs doubling in Abu Dhabi & Dubai in this year, it was fitting that the tournament showcased the amount of time, effort and commitment that all players have put in the last 12 months.
“This year’s tournament has been outstanding – the level of competition has been fantastic and our teams have all performed with credit, proving there’s huge appetite for competitive international touch in the Middle East and really justifying our initial focus on grassroots programmes and this year expanding the elite program with assistance from Abu Dhabi Sports Council, sponsors MEFITPRO and BOUNCE MIDDLE EAST and the International Federation of Touch. By focusing on junior and youth development in schools over the last 5 years, we are now beginning too see positive results on the international arena. Said John Larkins, Founder of Middle East Touch Rugby
“I’m astounded each year by the support this tournament receives, not only from the players and referees, but the families and friends as well who attend from all over Europe to soak up the atmosphere and see what touch is all about. Winning a Silver medal in the U18 girls grade this year was the icing on the cake. I know their passion for the game rubbed off on everyone at the championships, and I’m confident they’ll return to the UAE excited to help us take the sport to the next level in the UAE.” Said John Larkins
