Scotty reflects on University Touch growth

There was no one prouder of Touch’s inclusion in the 2022/23 BUCS calendar than Alex Scott, who recently stepped aside as University Liaison Manager. Here he reflects on how far the sport has grown within Universities over the last few years.

‘It has been a real journey over the years organising and running the University NTS. The competition has gone from strength to strength and I am extremely proud to be leaving the position following successfully achieving BUCS recognition as we head towards the 2023 season. Alongside growing the sport at the University level, this BUCS affiliation was the main objective I set myself when I took on the role, so it's extremely satisfying knowing this has finally got across the line. 

‘This growth of the sport at a University level has been a key driver in developing the game countrywide, from the grassroots of new players through to the High Performance Opens teams. The University National Touch Series has become a hugely important part of England Touch’s player development pathway and that's something I am very proud to have played a large part in. 

‘When the competition started back in 2014, there were only a handful of teams playing a couple of competitions a year. As a result of a successful and growing programme, student participation in Touch has continued to flourish. The programme now boasts upwards of 30 institutions involvement and over 1,000 players. 

‘I know first-hand how well Touch fits into a University sports programme and with the recognition of BUCS affiliation I can only see this continuing, driving increasing levels of competition, providing access to better facilities and further support from universities; all of which are crucial factors in continuing to improve the game at a University level.

‘I wanted to ensure the sport remained accessible and enjoyable for new players and clubs while providing the platform for more experienced athletes to continue to develop. This focus on high levels of competition against opposition with similar priorities, whether that be competitively or socially, is what lead to the Series developing and growing as it has done.

‘It has been a pleasure working as part of the ETA workforce and I feel I am leaving it in a great position with Jack Harris now leading the University programme. I can't thank Jack enough for his efforts and I wish him all the best for the future in the role. I'd also like to thank all of the England Touch management for their support and guidance over the last four years.

‘The direction of Touch is truly led by the people that are involved. I can't emphasise enough if you want to see something change or develop within the sport, you can be the driving force behind that. I am grateful I was given the opportunity to have an impact on the University Touch circuit and see it changed for the better.’

University Liaison Manager, Jack Harris, thanked Scott for his hard work.

"When Scotty kindly brought me on board with the ETA University Management Team, it was evident that he'd already gone above and beyond to develop the tournament from its humble beginnings,” he said. “Scotty's rapport with the University leads was second to none, and when he handed over the reins, I did not need to do much to get to where we are today.

“Scotty was pivotal in strategising how we were going to get the Series to a point where it could be part of the BUCS sports programme. He knew that it would be a fantastic achievement that would only help grow the sport in our country. Now we've achieved that goal, who knows where we'll go, but any player who has taken part in the Uni NTS over the past four years has only been able to do so thanks to him.

“I wish Scotty all the best for his future endeavours and want to thank him for all of his efforts.”

England Touch CEO, Chris Simon, echoed these thanks, adding: "Scotty built on the strong foundations which had been laid by the broader team of England Touch volunteers, particularly Harry Grocott and Mark Aldous, and put University Touch into the position where it is a significant part of our organisation from the perspectives of talent, membership, clubs, events and more.

"On behalf of the rest of the management and Board, I would like to thank him for everything that he has done."

For more information about the University Touch Championships email Jack Harris via university@englandtouch.org.uk