The SCRUM Field at the Lae Showground in Morobe Province is set to host the 2025 National Touch Championship.
The five-day touch football festival will kick off next Wednesday and run from December 10–14.
The Touch Federation of Papua New Guinea (TFPNG) sanctioned annual event was relocated from the original host, the Alotau Touch Association, at the eleventh hour due to insufficient information provided on several critical requirements needed to host the championship. The decision sparked controversy among participating associations. However, multiple attempts by this newsroom to obtain clarification from organisers in Alotau were unsuccessful.
TFPNG President Steven Kuimp said the federation is fully prepared to host the tournament, with no changes to the original dates.
“So far, 12 associations have confirmed their participation. We have secured the SCRUM Oval at the Lae Showground, which can cater for four playing fields, and the field conditions are excellent,” Mr Kuimp said.
“Queensland Paia will not participate this year, and Alotau will also be absent due to shipping arrangement issues.”
Registered associations taking part include NCD, Corporate Touch Port Moresby, Ijivitari, Popondetta, Sohe, Lae Corporate, Madang, Owan, Kainantu Corporate, Gateway Touch, and Beli Touch.
Mr Kuimp said there are no security concerns, with TFPNG working closely with the Eriku Footbeat SRU and the Lae Metropolitan Superintendent.
The championship will also serve as a selection event for Federation of International Touch (FIT) sanctioned tournaments, including the Asia Pacific Open Touch Cup, Senior Cups, and Junior events.
Selections will be based strictly on merit, discipline, performance, fitness, attitude, and compliance with team and association criteria.
TFPNG will also convene its Annual General Meeting during the championship.
