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England Touch Association and In2Touch cement relationship into new era
The England Touch Association (ETA) and In2Touch have agreed a new strategic partnership for at least the next three years to help grow Touch Rugby across the country and to work together to develop all aspects of the sport.
The ETA and In2Touch have worked together for many years, but this new partnership marks the start of a new era for both organisations and for Touch Rugby as a whole, which has grown at an exponential rate in the post-lockdown era, as players and teams recognise the physical and mental benefits of a minimal contact team sport with proven positive health outcomes.
The strategic partnership will see In2Touch be the ETA’s preferred deliverer of Touch Rugby leagues and corporate event activity, while In2Touch will promote the National Touch Series and the benefits of ETA membership to players and teams within its various leagues.
Just as importantly, the ETA and In2Touch will work closely together to create new leagues in towns and cities which can provide the next step from social Touch Rugby into more organised activity, such as Regional Development Series events, which in turn could lead to entry into the National Touch Series. This includes universities, schools and workplaces, as well as teams or groups based at rugby clubs or leisure venues.
The two organisations will also work together to encourage and develop referees, volunteers and administrators, to help achieve greater longer-term sustainability for this volunteer sport.
ETA Chief Executive, Chris Simon, says that this new strategic partnership could unlock new growth for both organisations.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to rejuvenate and enhance our previous relationship with In2Touch, whereby we’ll be working together to grow the sport of Touch Rugby,” he commented.
“In2Touch is the country’s most experienced operator of Touch leagues, with the infrastructure and expertise in place to help organisers launch and grow new leagues in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds and anywhere else in the country where there is the appetite for a Touch league. This makes them a key strategic partner for us as we seek to grow our own participation and membership.
“We will also continue to work with our existing affiliated leagues, such as those in Cambridge, Nottingham, Bedford, Bath and Bristol, further developing in those established areas.
“This partnership will help achieve the ambition of making Touch Rugby a sport which can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, and at any time.”
In2Touch Director, Mike Abromowitz, is looking forward to expanding and entrenching the relationship between the two organisations.
“We’re excited to be partnering with the ETA to further establish and grow the sport in England,” he said. “Although the ETA is focusing on introducing the sport in schools, universities, workplaces and elsewhere, along with expanding the National Touch Series, Touch Rugby needs that stepping stone in between, such as the local leagues and events which are In2Touch’s speciality, and where we have great experience in top class delivery.
“Meanwhile we will be bringing the England Touch offering and pathway to more people in those leagues and events across England, and by working closely together we can make sure we complement each other’s activities.
“We’re all looking forward to growing an already strong relationship and association with the ETA that has lasted for more than 20 years already, and has the potential to last for many more years into the future.”
The ETA is the national governing body for Touch Rugby in England, recognised by the Federation of International Touch. As well as organising 18 national teams to compete in international competitions, the ETA’s framework includes national competitions for teams and clubs in the form of the National Touch Series, as well as the Nationals, where players represent the region they live in.
The ETA also organises and manages the University Touch Championships on behalf of British Universities and Colleges Sport, and is working with a number of partners to expand the sport’s reach into schools.
Furthermore, the ETA provides individuals with coaching and referee qualifications and pathways, along with club affiliations and support in areas such as public liability insurance, and support for governance and safeguarding.
In2Touch is the country’s leading provider of Touch Rugby leagues and corporate events, with leagues in a number of locations across London, the Thames Valley and the west country and over 1,000 teams playing in these leagues and events throughout the year. In2Touch also operates in Edinburgh, as well as overseas in South Africa and New Zealand. In2Touch provides operators with all the support and expertise they need to establish and develop their Touch Rugby league into being a success.
Anyone interested in exploring such an opportunity can contact info@in2touch.com
While there is absolutely no requirement for existing affiliated leagues to become an In2Touch league, as this partnership is initially focused on expanding Touch Rugby in new areas of the country, any affiliated league is welcome to contact In2Touch for more information should they wish to do so.
