The ANZAC Day Challenge, which this year will include a three-match series, will be played at Queens Park on Thursday 24 April 2025, on the eve of ANZAC Day, one of the country’s most deeply respected traditions.
TTF President, Glen Wilson, is excited about the event and the opportunity it presents to honour the service of current and former ADF members while showcasing elite-level touch football.
"It [the ANZAC Day Challenge] is more than just a few games touch touch; it's a way for us to pay tribute to those who have served while also strengthening the relationship between the Defence and touch communities here in Townsville."
The series will feature a one-off match across Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Men’s Over 30s divisions, with both organisations fielding their strongest players in what is expected to be a high-intensity contest.
TTF have appointed three experienced coaches to lead the Townsville Saints teams in this year's series - Rhys Bevan (Men's Open), Mark Edwards (Women's Open), and Dean Condon (Men's Over 30's) - who will be making their squad selections based on performance in TTF's current Colliers Shield season.
Ensuring the highest standard of officiating, the Townsville Touch Referees Association Inc. (TTRA) will be appointing referees from its current A-Grade squad, with several officials having a strong connection to the ADF.
TTRA President, Kerrod Hall, is proud to have some of the region’s best referees officiating the event and believes the concept will be a fitting tribute to the ANZAC spirit.
"We’re expecting a top-level performance from the players in each match, so we’ll be appointing our best referees to take control."
"Some of our top referees have links to the ADF so we'll certainly be looking to have them out there in the center."
The ANZAC Day Challenge will begin with a pre-match commemorative ceremony led by serving ADF personnel, including The Last Post and a minute's silence, ensuring ANZAC Day traditions are upheld with the utmost respect.
Hall, who is also a TTF board member, emphasised that the event is set to become an annual fixture and that future editions may see further expansion.
"We’re committed to growing the ANZAC Day Challenge into a prestigious event on our calendar, and we hope to be able to include an All Abilities match in the coming years and really showcase our amazing touch football community."
With top-tier talent, experienced coaches, and elite referees coming together, Hall expects the ANZAC Day Challenge to be an unmissable event for Townsville sports fans.
"This will be a historic first edition, so we really want to see the entire community come down and be part of something truly special."
Series schedule:
5:45pm - ANZAC ceremony
6:00pm - Men's Over 30's
6:50pm - Women's Open
7:40pm - Men's Open
Full team lists will announced closer to the series.