Exceptional Atlantic Youth Cup sets the stage for 2024 Touch World Cup in Nottingham

Following the resounding triumph of the inaugural Atlantic Youth Cup hosted at the University of Nottingham’s Highfields Sports Complex and adjacent Nottingham Hockey Centre in the heart of the UK’s East Midlands, attention now turns to the eagerly awaited 2024 Touch World Cup.

Scheduled for the same venue in a mere 12 months, anticipation for the tenth edition of the world’s showpiece Touch event is reaching unprecedented levels.

The Atlantic Youth Cup witnessed Europe’s finest young talents competing fiercely in Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed divisions across the 15s, 18s and 20s age groups to secure the coveted title of the best nation from the Atlantic region. Teams from South Africa, USA, Cayman Islands and China also joined the event, with many of their players not just competing in their maiden international tournament, but some travelling overseas for the first time, too.

The event’s success has further solidified the University of Nottingham’s reputation as an ideal venue for top-level international touch competitions, having hosted the European Touch Championships in 2018 and 2022.

Mark Croston, the Chair of the Federation of International Touch (FIT), expressed his delight at the success of the Atlantic Youth Cup, stating: “We couldn’t be happier with the triumph of the Atlantic Youth Cup held at the University of Nottingham’s Highfields Sports Complex, which is now fully tested and prepared to host the world’s most skilled touch players at the 2024 Touch World Cup.”

In July 2024, the Touch World Cup will make its much-awaited return after a five-year hiatus since the last event in Putrajaya, Malaysia, in 2019. The previous World Cup showcased fierce competition across 11 divisions, with Australia continuing their record as the nation to be beaten. The other podium positions were shared among other powerhouse nations, such as New Zealand, England, Japan, Scotland, France, Cook Islands, South Africa, and Singapore.

FIT Director Peter Topp expressed complete confidence in the University of Nottingham as the perfect venue for this prestigious global event.

“The excellent fields and facilities at the Highfields Sports Complex and Nottingham Hockey Centre, combined with convenient accommodation options at the University’s main campus and surrounding areas, will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participating teams and spectators,” he said.

Chris Simon, Chief Executive Officer of England Touch Association (ETA), emphasized that the ETA’s experience gained from hosting the Atlantic Youth Cup and previous European Touch Championships at the University of Nottingham would contribute significantly to making the 2024 Touch World Cup a memorable and successful event.

“Given the success of the Atlantic Youth Cup this weekend, we can’t help but feel the excitement building for the Touch World Cup in 2024. 

“Mark your calendars because the countdown has begun, and the world will be watching when Nottingham welcomes the Touch community with open arms in July next year,” he added.

Further details and updates about the event will be available on the Federation of International Touch’s official website.