Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Touch Association are again hosting the Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival in the city this weekend (18-20 February).
NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell said the structure complies with current NSW Health Public Health Orders and is similar to the format used for the 2021 State Cup to ensure a COVID-safe event.
He said this model limits the number of teams to the 172 entries received, but it has the potential to deliver more significant economic benefits to the local community.
"The Arrive Play Leave format, which we successfully used last year, really allows our participants and their families more time to explore the region," Mr Russell said.
"They will be able to visit more places – something they previously have been limited in doing while at the fields most of the day.
"The feedback from participants on the format in 2021 was that they loved it. They had the ability to get out and about to see parts of the region they didn't know existed and patronised more cafés and restaurants while abiding by the Arrive Play Leave protocol.
"It will be interesting in analysing the economic impact of both events, as I firmly believe it will be greater than in previous years."
Several adjustments have been made to the event to adhere to COVID-safe protocols.
No under 8s or club development teams have been included. The Arrive Play Leave format will be enforced to limit the number of people at the venue at any one time.
Mr Russell said the logistics in pulling this together had been enormous and welcomed the support of Council to ensure the event planning was successful.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said the city is ready for the fourth year of this major event.
"We have great pleasure in welcoming all participants to Wagga Wagga for this annual event which has become a tradition in our city, and one we very much look forward to hosting each year," Cr Tout said.
"Council staff have worked incredibly well alongside NSW Touch to ensure the carnival proceeds at a fantastic venue in a COVID-safe manner.
"It highlights the great relationship we have with NSW Touch and the willingness of all involved to put on this event for the benefit of all the young players involved. I'm very confident this strong relationship will grow and prosper in the years ahead.
"I wish all participants and officials the very best for another successful carnival."
The 2022 version of the Junior State Cup will see 172 teams representing 25 affiliates. There will be close to 750 games played during the weekend. A contingent of nearly 220 referees will officiate.
All games played on the main field will be livestreamed all weekend on the NSW Touch Football Facebook page.
Games start at 8am Friday and progress through the finals on Sunday, beginning from 2pm. The prestigious Girls 18s and Boys 18s will be played at 3pm and 3.30 pm.
There will be changed traffic conditions, including some road and lane closures, around Jubilee Park during the weekend.
Traffic management personnel will be in place at major intersections and signage in the area to assist the flow of traffic.
Motorists are also advised to take care in the area due to more pedestrian traffic expected.
TRAFFIC CHANGES:
- Red Hill Road will be closed to east-bound traffic between the Bourke Street and Glenfield Road roundabouts, with detours via Bruce Street.
- Bourke Street between Bourkelands Drive and Red Hill Road roundabout will be closed to non-event traffic, with detours via Berembee Road, Bourkelands Drive and Holbrook Road.
- Road closures will be in place from 6am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 6am to 3pm on Sunday. Detours will be signposted.
