Touch rugby is one of the fasted growing sports in the world, and Abu Dhabi is set to keep pace with the arrival of New Zealand’s Galaxy Touch Club to the UAE.
Derived from the original hard-hitting, full contact sport, Touch, as it’s officially known, eliminates tackling, scrums, mauls, and line-outs and replaces it with a simple one-hand touch to the body. This fast-moving game is more popular than ever and children and adults across the capital now have another group of professional coaches, thanks to the work of UAE Touch president, John Larkin.
UAE Touch, which teaches Touch to over 600 residents per week, believes this new partnership with the Antipodean-based franchise will see gifted and talented players in the UAE benefit from coaching and other support provided by the highly respected international sports organisation.
Larkins says the partnership will be of huge benefit to the development of Touch in the UAE. “Now with Galaxy on board, together we are now looking at creating Touch Clubs throughout the UAE so that players are provided with supported pathways to compete in national and regional championships, as well as Federation of International Touch tournaments including the Middle East and European Championships in 2014 and the Touch World Cup in 2015.”
Galaxy CEO Peter Walters made the announcement of the new partnership during a recent visit to the UK. “Galaxy are looking forward to developing the game of Touch in the Middle Eastern region and will provide coaching and support on a regular basis, with a special focus on increasing physical activity for kids outside of school hours and an overall increase in female participation.”
UAE Touch is currently running its courses at Al Yasmina School, however due to such an increase in popularity, Galaxy Touch is currently looking at options to secure a new home base.
Larkins says that Touch in the UAE has grown at a rapid pace over the past two years. “We all should be able to enjoy the benefits of sharing in what is the most fun, inclusive and innovative community-driven sport across the world.”
Price per season is AED 300. If you would like to get involved in this fast-paced and friendly sport you can email: [email protected]
