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#TeamRef supports HMRC national tournament
England Touch referees Laura Foulstone and Dominic Bes-Jeary from Warwick and Chris Dickson and Dan Adams from Nottingham joined forces on Saturday 15th April to help officiate the HMRC’s Social Touch festival at the University of Warwick.
The quartet of England officials were joined by England Touch CEO, Chris Simon, who was delighted to be able to help support the event, saying: “A couple of touch colleagues at the HMRC office in Nottingham got in touch and asked for some help.
"Given that we’re in wider conversations with the Civil Service Sports Club already and we have a very established London Eagles team with strong links, we were keen to oblige.”
Teams from Wales, the Southwest, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and the East Midlands played in two pools before cup and plate knockout matches.
The Cup was a closely fought contest with the semi-final between the East Midlands and Southwest going to drop-off, something new to several of the players. The Southwest came out on top 4-3 and went on to beat Wales 2-1 in the final. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester took the Plate competition, beating Southwest B in the final.
“We had eight teams of players from across the country, many of whom were new to the sport," Simon added. "They seemed to enjoy it, and many said they’re keen to carry on playing in local leagues or clubs back home. We’ll be sending them further information and hope to link them up with existing activity in the leagues across the country.”
The event was also an opportunity for the ETA team of referees to hone their skills with Dan Adams receiving his Level 1 upgrade on the day.
“Whilst several of our southern based referees supported the England HP training camp in Cranford, it was great to get a team together at Warwick as well," Simon said. "I’m really pleased for Dan, who’s only just started refereeing this season and I’d like to thank him, Laura, Dom and Chris for coming along and running hard all day.
"I hope this will be one of many events that we can work with the HMRC and wider Civil Service, providing opportunities for players and officials alike.”
For more information on how to get involved in local leagues or clubs, visit the ETA website - https://englandtouch.org.uk/play/where-to-play/.
If your company or organisation would like to run a corporate Touch event then England Touch is always happy to help! Email Sammie Phillips (General Manager) or Chris Simon (CEO) by CLICKING HERE.
