England Touch Association - Annual Report 2014 England Touch Association - Annual Report 2014

ETA Annual Report RFU PARTNERSHIP Background to the partnership      RFU had traditionally viewed touch as a version of ‘leisure rugby’ Change of stance in 2011/12 – to make ‘Touch’ a core part of RWC2015 delivery strategy New contact at the RFU lead to a positive opportunity to get involved RFU target of 5,000 new players by 2015-16 Partnership with RFU from 2013 until May 2016 England Touch, the RFU and O2 Touch         Long term partnership agreement covering the 2013-2016 seasons Joint aim to grow participation of the sport throughout England Standardise delivery of the product as to create a better grassroots game enjoyable for all Provide ETA Membership for O2 Touch Clubs and hence open the player pathway Maximise cross-marketing opportunities to promote the sport to new demographics Provide access to Canterbury playing kit Explore ETA event hosting at O2 Touch Clubs to allow spectators access to the top end of the sport Deliver coaching and refereeing courses to clubs to assist in their growth and self-sustainability Achievements to date What does the future hold?          150+ players/organisers attending coaching courses 400+ players/organisers attending refereeing courses Presented the ETA at the O2 Touch Conference 100+ O2 Touch Clubs (not all active yet) O2 Touch players now representing England Hosted 2014 Series finals at Droitwich RFC Several examples of joint working at regional level o e.g. Gosford All Blacks – Touch club successfully integrated into RFC, but remains separately affiliated to the ETA  Estimated 2,000 more people playing FIT Touch       Two more years

England Touch Association - Annual Report 2014 England Touch Association - Annual Report 2014 | Page 15