What’s Happening?
The 2025 Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup (APYTC) lit up Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 May, with 23 teams from 10 nations competing across six divisions. Among the hundreds of youth athletes and officials, six representatives from Townsville proudly flew the flag on the international stage.
This major event followed the Open Trans-Tasman Series and is part of a wider push to develop elite-level talent across the Asia-Pacific.
Why It Matters
Touch Football Australia CEO Marcus Ashcroft highlighted the APYTC as a “critical component of our high-performance pathways,” praising the platform it offers to young athletes. The inclusion of Townsville-based players, coaches, and referees demonstrates the city’s ongoing role in shaping the sport’s future.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery added that hosting the event at Kayo Stadium reflected the city’s commitment to world-class sport and diversity, with nearly 2,000 visitors expected to boost the local economy and community engagement.
Local Impact
Townsville’s contribution was front and centre:
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Layne Prince competed with Australia’s U18 Girls.
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Sophie Smith represented Australia’s U20 Women.
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Bailey Fraser joined the Philippines’ U20 Mixed team.
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Nicholas Pecchiar served as Assistant Coach for Australia’s U20 Men.
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Lachlan Carey was appointed referee for the U20 Women’s Grand Final.
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Michael Littlefield also officiated games across the competition.
Their participation strengthens the sport’s grassroots presence in North Queensland, inspiring local juniors to aim higher.
By the Numbers
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10 nations participated, including emerging sides like the Philippines and Singapore.
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6 divisions featured: Boys, Girls, and Mixed U18; Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed U20.
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Townsville had 6 representatives, including 2 elite referees and 1 coach.
Zoom In
Townsville’s Bailey Fraser made his international debut with the Philippines U20 Mixed team, while Lachlan Carey earned a coveted finals appointment—underscoring local excellence in both playing and officiating.
Zoom Out
The APYTC follows a string of high-profile events like the Open Trans-Tasman Series and leads into a new Touch Football World Cup cycle, with eyes on further international growth.
Chair of the Federation of International Touch, Peter Topp, said:
“We are delighted to see further growth across the junior international game. Thank you to all who made this possible.”
What to Look For Next?
With the APYTC wrapped, attention turns to the 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Ireland this August. Closer to home, Townsville’s young talent will continue preparing for the National Youth Championships, building on the momentum from Redcliffe.
Entry to the event was free, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and community. Replays available online.
