IT has been a year of highlights and accolades for Shoal Bay’s touch football golden girl Ali Mitchell.
The rising 18-year-old youth international experienced one of her proudest moments when named NSW Touch Football’s Junior Female Player of the Year for 2024-25.
She was one of many elite athletes to be recognised at the recent NSW Touch Football Awards Night function held in the Noble Dining Room at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The skilful link has proved a revelation in the women’s touch football arena with top class performances in both the junior and senior divisions and continues to show a maturity that far belies her years.
Ali reached several milestones in 2025 with the Tomaree High School graduate playing a key role in NSW Under 20s bringing home the State of Origin Challenge trophy.
The outstanding Nelson Bay Neptunes junior teamed up with Anna Bay’s Ava Forster to help the Blues clinch the Origin Challenge series 2-1 against Queensland at Coffs Harbour.
After losing the opening clash 7-4, the NSW women bounced back with spirited 3-2 and 10-6 victories over the Maroons to stamp their supremacy.
The talented duo later teamed up with Ali’s elder sister Maddy to help Hunter Hornets Open women’s rep team reach the semi finals of the National Touch League.
Another highlight for the gifted Mitchell was guiding the Australian Under 18 Emus to an Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup championship title back in May.
Ali produced a masterclass display in the Girls 18yrs Youth Cup final, nabbing two tries and creating others to engineer a 6-1 victory over the New Zealand Touch Blacks at Redcliffe.
Other accolades included being named Tomaree High’s Senior Sports Person of the Year and taking out the Ampol Best All Rounder Award.
It was deserved recognition for the teen titan who also starred for the Hunter and NSW Combined High School Open Girls touch football representative teams while juggling HSC studies during a hectic senior year.
The NSW Touch Awards Night was a celebration of dedication, leadership and excellence – recognising the incredible individuals, teams and volunteers who make the game of touch football thrive across NSW.
By Chris KARAS
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