A unique sports club is set to kick off in East Belfast as the Eastside Eagles (EASTS for short) bring ‘Touch’, a non contact, mixed gender version of rugby, to the area for the first time!
Whether you’re a seasoned rugby enthusiast or new to the sport, all are welcome to join in the fun, camaraderie, and exhilaration of Touch.
Club President, Andrew Shaw commented: “Touch, as a sport, is a relatively new concept in Northern Ireland but there is a thriving community throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe with tournaments taking place all over the continent throughout the year.
“At EASTS we will create a dynamic, inclusive and social club for the people of East Belfast to get together and have fun. Touch has something for everyone be it social, competitive or representative with some of our EASTS players having represented Ireland at the recent Touch World Cup in Nottingham.”
Touch is a dynamic, fast-paced, mixed gender sport that emphasises agility, teamwork, and strategy.
One of the unique elements of touch is that men and women play together on the same field as equals.
Furthermore, the limited contact removes the age barrier traditionally associated with rugby meaning that touch is a sport for life!
Club secretary Emma Duddy said: “I love that anyone can play, whatever your background, gender, age or your sporting experience. The fast paced end to end excitement of a game makes it a great workout. There aren’t many sports where men and women play together and I think this creates a great social dynamic. I’m usually quite quiet and reserved but get me on a Touch pitch and my inner Eagle comes out.”
Played on a grass surface 50x70m, teams of 14, with six on the pitch at any one time, have six touches to progress up the field and score. On the sixth touch, possession is turned over to the opposition team. The game features rolling substitutions so players can sustain a high pace throughout the 40min games.
Commenting on the social side of the club, vice-President Steve Duddy said: “Being a mixed, social sport, Touch lends itself to creating a great social community where like minded people can come along, have a great cardio workout and get to meet others in a friendly environment.
“We will have regular events and socials to provide opportunities to get to know each other away from the Touch pitch as well as travelling to tournaments across Ireland, the UK and Europe for those wanting to go on tour. So whether you want to play, be a social member or just want the cool stash, come on down!”
For more info, contact info@eastsideeagles.co.uk
