But don’t get confused; there are no posts involved in this code.
Touch football — a non-contact variant of rugby — brought McEwen Reserve’s Brauman St end to life in years gone by, but now there is a new hub being introduced by Harrison and co.
A “Youth in Touch” program currently runs on Fridays at Vibert Reserve from 6.30pm onwards for ages 8-18, aimed at building a junior base before restarting senior competition.
It is being run as a free clinic, funded by VicHealth and Touch Football Victoria.
“We have big plans going forward with lots of opportunities for youth,” Harrison said.
“The seniors comp will run at the start of October this year and run until possibly March next year.
“Without a strong junior program touch football in the area wouldn’t continue to grow and be successful.”
Harrison, the former co-ordinator of Shepparton’s touch competition, witnessed it in all its glory during its last active year, 2016.
Bent on drawing numbers to the sport once more, he’s sowing the seed with juniors coming first, and all others following.
“We will look to apply for the funding with Greater Shepparton City Council to get women into sport,” he said.
“The funding will be used to run a switch program for women, teaching them the skills of touch football which will lead to growing the game in regional Victoria.
“Our aim is to make touch football great again and one of our other goals to work towards is holding a multi-cultural Pacific Cup in Shepparton to bring people to the region.
“There will also be a lot of representative opportunities for the youth and seniors with state teams and tournaments happening in Victoria.”
Harrison is being assisted by Kaokao Kautai from Moama Echuca Touch Football, Tyler Cabansag and Dave Diack from Touch Football Victoria.
That nucleus — Harrison especially — share a genuine love for the sport and won't rest until the town's white line fever is restored once more.
“I’ve always had a passion for touch football and I want to see it go back to what it was in Shepparton.”
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