Photo Credit: Hong Kong Touch Association
Originating in Australia from Rugby League in the 1970s, Touch Football started as a social and recreational sport to keep rugby league players fit and sharp during the off-season.
Over the years, the sport has grown and evolved and has become a game on its own. Touch Rugby is fast-flowing and requires players to be skillful and quick on their feet.
It's a great game to introduce, develop and teach young players the fundamental skills of Rugby.
Catch and pass, run and pass, running lines, defensive lines, and identifying space are skills needed to be successful in Rugby. These skills are essential in Rugby, and it's no surprise to see world-class players, like All Black and Crusaders Fly Half Richie Mo’unga, play the sport in his youth.
One person who has a great passion for the game and is well-known in the Hong Kong Touch community is Alex Tsang.
Alex has worked at every level, from grassroots to administration at the governing body of the sport. He is a founding member and current secretary for Pillar Sports Phoenix Touch and has served as a Federation of International Touch Board Member from 2013 - 2016.
Photo Credit: Phoebe Leung
Having played touch on and off during High School, he took the game up more seriously in 2011. He is currently an executive council (EXCO) member of the Hong Kong Touch Association.
Formed in 2003, the Hong Kong Touch Association aims to help administer, organize, and develop the sport.
With over 2000 registered members, the game is growing in Hong Kong, but it is seen as a social game among people in Hong Kong. Alex is working hard to change that narrative and to promote it as a game for all.
He believes touch is a great way to introduce Rugby to communities in Hong Kong. It can help increase the player pool in Hong Kong, allows players to be part of the rugby community, even though they may not be playing contact, and has mixed grades, which adds a unique element to the sport.
The Hong Kong Touch Association season runs from May to March. The season consists of a Youth League, Summers League, and Winter League.
The finals for the Championship and Community Summer Leagues will take place at Kings Park on the 5 August, come down and show your support and be part of the Touch community.
Email the Hong Kong Touch Association for more details if you want to get involved as a player, coach, or referee.
Photo Credit: Hong Kong Touch Association
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