Touch Football Australia’s Record-Breaking 2026 National Youth Kick Off in Coffs Harbour

The premier youth touch football showcase of the national calendar, the 2026 DoorDash National Youth Championships, has officially commenced in Coffs Harbour, drawing a record-breaking 131 teams to the Coffs Coast for four days of junior competition.

Marking the sixteenth occasion the regional hub has hosted the marquee tournament, the event underscores Touch Football Australia’s partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the City of Coffs Harbour.

Beyond its role as a vital elite development pathway for emerging talent transitioning into the senior National Touch League, the tournament serves as a major commercial driver for regional tourism, injecting an estimated economic benefit exceeding five million dollars into local accommodation, hospitality, and small business sectors.

Highlighting the developmental and commercial significance of the partnership, Touch Football Australia CEO, Marcus Ashcroft, noted the long-term value of the event.

“We love coming to Coffs Harbour. Many of the players competing here this week will go on to graduate to our senior National Touch League and potentially represent Australia in the future.

“It gives young players the opportunity to compete against the best from around the country, see how they stack up and continue along the pathway towards the highest levels of our sport,” Ashcroft said.

Local and state stakeholders emphasised the vital economic stimulus generated by the influx of thousands of players, coaching staff, and families to the region.

Nationals member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh, Singh MP, highlighted the returns for local enterprise.

“Events like NYC bring people from all over the country to Coffs Harbour, and they’re staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants and cafes and spending across the region.”

“That’s exactly what our hospitality sector needs and demonstrates why events like this are so important for the local economy.”

Reinforcing the municipal economic impact, City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Hon. Cr Nikki Williams, detailed the direct financial benefits for the city.

“Having thousands of players and their families arrive on the Coffs Coast is fantastic for our tourism industry, small businesses and hospitality venues. We’re talking about an injection of more than $5 million into our local economy, which is always a fantastic outcome for our city.”

“It’s great to see so many people across the Coffs Coast enjoying everything our region has to offer.

“Our hospitality and accommodation providers, along with small businesses right across the community, all benefit from major events like the National Youth Championships,” Mayor Williams stated.

With competition broadcast live and free via BarTV and the official Touch Football Australia YouTube channel, the tournament continues to expand its digital reach while cementing Coffs Harbour’s status as a premier destination for elite national sports tourism.

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