Set down for Thursday 23 April at Queens Park, the annual series between Townsville Touch Football’s Saints and the North Queensland Defence Touch Association’s Crocs will once again bring the touch football and Defence communities together in honour of the ANZAC spirit.
This year, the event will also raise funds for the Sallyman, the well-known Salvation Army role within Red Shield Defence Services, which has supported Australian Defence Force personnel in Australia for well over a century through practical welfare, pastoral care, and morale support. Red Shield Defence Services representatives support ADF members and their families on base, on exercises, and sometimes overseas, often providing tea, coffee, snacks, conversation, and a trusted listening ear during stressful periods.
Townsville Touch Football President Kerrod Hall said that cause sits naturally alongside everything the Challenge is trying to represent.
“The ANZAC Day Challenge has always been about more than touch football, and supporting the Sallyman is a really important part of that.”
“It’s a chance for us to not only honour service in principle, but to practically support a role that has meant a lot to generations of Defence personnel.”
While the three matches will again provide plenty of excitement on the field, the pre-match ceremony will remain one of the most important parts of the evening and a major focus of this year’s event.
This year’s event will feature an expanded commemorative ceremony, again led by serving Australian Defence Force personnel, with additional ceremonial elements included to ensure the occasion is honoured in a meaningful and respectful way.
Hall said the event was always intended to be about far more than just touch football.
“The three matches are important, and it gives us a vehicle to bring people together, but the ceremony and what it represents sits right at the heart of this event.”
“We want people to come to Queens Park not just to watch three good games of touch footy, but to stand together in respect, reflect on the meaning of ANZAC Day, and recognise the connection between our Defence community and the wider Townsville community.”
Another exciting addition for 2026 will be the introduction of a brand new ANZAC Day Challenge Trophy, commissioned by TTF to give even greater significance to the series. More details on the trophy and its meaning will be shared closer to the event.
There will also be a fresh look to the Townsville Saints teams this year, with invitational sides to be selected in each division as organisers look to create a strong balance between experience and emerging talent.
The invitational approach is expected to produce competitive Saints outfits while also creating opportunities for players from across the local game to be part of an event that continues to grow in significance.
With planning already well underway and strong support once again building around the event, TTF are confident the 2026 ANZAC Day Challenge will continue to grow as a meaningful annual tradition on the Townsville sporting calendar.
The 2026 ANZAC Day Challenge will be held on Thursday 23 April at Queens Park, with further details on team announcements, ceremony plans, fundraising, and event information to be released in the lead-up.