News - Europe

Whilst many associations seem to have wound down somewhat over the festive season, England Touch are gearing up for a massive year ahead in 2013.

England Touch are proud to announce their 2nd annual National Touch Tournament. This is a 2 day tournament where regional sides will compete for the national title, whilst forming the basis for player development and pathway leading to National Squad selection.

Thirty seven teams took to the Lancenigo Sports Complex, Treviso, Italy over the period 10th to 16th September 2012, to contest the Federation of International Touch's 8th European Touch Championships (ETC2012) - and after days of intense competition England have emerged to claim the title as overall European champions.

Most competing nations have named their squads, and the air is filled with a competitive buzz. Sporting excitement has reached astronomic levels over the Olympics, and yet there's another major event on the calendar — the 8th European Touch Championships in Treviso, Italy, from 12th to 16th September.This year's England team members have been through the toughest selection process to date. A new 'nationals' scheme was trialed this year, offering more development within the regions and a weekend of competition for the selectors to pick the strongest possible squads. England is the only nation to enter teams in all divisions, showing their dedication and development to all categories. Now the English domestic season is over all focus is on the finishing touches of the elite squads. There's one last weekend of 'team bonding' at Lilleshall for all squads, where policies will be practiced and moves polished before getting on the plane to Italy, in a bid to reclaim their title as European Champions. With 49 teams from 15 nations, the 2012 Euro's are gearing up to be as exciting as ever."The England squad for the 2012 European Championships is the strongest ever to have been assembled. The National tournament in April proved that the strength and depth of Touch in England continues to grow year-on-year and all the coaches and backroom staff are hugely excited by the opportunity to demonstrate the talent we have on the international stage. Every team is genuinely capable of winning their division, and with final preparations underway I would like to wish all our athletes the best of success; with the effort and application they have demonstrated, they deserve it." says England Touch Head of Elite Coaching, Dave Woolley.FIT wishes the best of luck to all nations! and would love to hear how other nations' preparations are coming along.

The Federation of International Touch has pleasure in advising that the following countries have been approved as official Federation members: Argentina, China, Chinese Taipei, Luxembourg, Portugal, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu and also Mauritius as an Associate Member.