Touch is a “sport for all” due to its non–contact nature and fast paced skilful participants it has seen huge growth worldwide. The sport in Australia is greater than Rugby Union and League combined and it has been developed in Wales over the past decade by the WTA.

The WTA have implemented a regional structure culminating in the National Championships in 2013 to positively change the pathway for player development in Wales.  This pathway allows players to develop through the ranks of Regional Touch to international honours. 

Gwion Kennard, Technical Director for the WTA said: “The formation of Regional Touch culminating in the Nationals is a major step forward for Touch in Wales.  This significant move will change the pathway for talent identification, player development and gaining international honours.  It also provides the basis and platform for development of future national coaches, referees, managers and administrators. 

“We are delighted to announce that the 2013 Nationals and the European Championships 2014 will be played at Swansea University Sports Village, which is a wonderful venue with ample on site facilities, plenty of accommodation and on the doorstep of a fantastic waterfront within truly magnificent regional setting.

“The WTA are thankful to those who have worked towards creating this event, the support of the University and the continued fantastic support of our volunteers, without which none of this would be possible.”

The European Championships in August 2014 will see the cream of European Touch compete at Swansea University Sports Village for the title of European Champions, a title held by Wales in 2010.

Gwyneth Diment, Head of Sport and Physical Recreation at Swansea University said: “We are delighted to welcome these two major events in touch sport to Swansea and  hope the players make the most of our great facilities.

“Swansea University is building on the success of hosting the Mexico and New Zealand paralympic teams last summer and now we are firmly on the map as a venue that can deliver fantastic sport events. Just last week we announced that we are hosting the 2014 IPC European Athletics Championships which is the first time that the event has been held anywhere in the UK and we look forward to hosting many great sporting events in the future.”

More information regarding the European and National championships as well as the Wales Touch Association can be found at http://www.walestouch.co.uk/