Set for next Thursday, 23 April, this year’s Challenge will see Townsville Touch Football’s Saints take on the North Queensland Defence Touch Association’s Crocs across Over 30s, Women’s, and Men’s divisions, with the event continuing to grow in significance following its strong debut last year.
While the three matches will once again showcase some of the best talent from the Townsville and Defence touch football communities, the ceremonial component remains central to the identity of the event.
This year’s pre-match ceremony will be expanded, with serving Australian Defence Force personnel leading the commemorative component and additional live ceremonial elements helping ensure the occasion is marked with the professionalism and respect it deserves.
The event will also raise funds for the Sallyman through the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services, adding another layer of meaning to an evening already built around service, connection, and support for the Defence community.
The Townsville Touch Referees Association will again play an important role in the event, with recently announced officials drawn from the association’s senior ranks and emerging first grade group to help deliver the series to the standard the occasion demands.
The referees selected for this year’s Challenge bring a strong mix of national grading, international experience, and current Colliers Shield form, reinforcing the quality of officiating that continues to be developed in Townsville.
Townsville Touch Football and NQDT organisers have also confirmed that this year’s Townsville Saints sides will be selected on an invitational basis, creating an opportunity to blend proven experience with emerging talent across all three divisions.
That approach is expected to produce competitive teams while also reflecting the broader representative pathway that exists within Townsville touch football.
Another major addition for 2026 will be the unveiling of a newly commissioned ANZAC Day Challenge trophy, designed to give the series an even stronger identity and an enduring symbol of what the event represents.
Townsville Touch Football President Kerrod Hall said the Challenge had always been about far more than what appears on the scoreboard.
“The football is important, but this event has always been about giving our community an opportunity to come together in respect, remembrance, and connection.”
“We want people to come along, enjoy the games, and also recognise the contribution that Defence personnel make to this region and to the country more broadly.”
Hall said the event had only continued to grow because of the commitment shown by both organisations.
“We’ve got a strong partnership with NQDT, and there’s a genuine shared commitment to making this a lasting annual event that gives us an ongoing opportunity to honour service in a meaningful way.”
NQDT representative David Stewart said there was genuine excitement building within the Defence camp as the event drew closer.
“The ANZAC Day Challenge means a lot because it gives us the chance to represent our community in a way that is competitive, respectful, and connected to something bigger than the game itself.”
As momentum continues to build, organisers say more event details will be released in the lead-up, but one thing is already clear: the 2026 ANZAC Day Challenge is shaping as another special night under lights at Queens Park.
The 2026 ANZAC Day Challenge will be held on Thursday 23 April, with the commemorative ceremony to begin before the opening match and further information to be released in the lead-up.
Whether you’re a lifelong touch football supporter or simply looking to be part of a special night for the Townsville community, organisers are encouraging people from right across the city to head down to Queens Park next Thursday.
Entry is free, the TTF canteen and bar will be open throughout the evening, and alcohol will be available for purchase and responsibly consumed within the licensed area.
More than just three quality games of touch footy, the ANZAC Day Challenge is an opportunity for the wider community to come together in respect, remembrance, and support of an event that means far more than what happens on the scoreboard.