NELSON Bay touch football wizards Michael Lennon and Martin Shiner will don the green and gold on the international stage at this year’s Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup in Japan.
The experienced duo have gained selection in the Australian Mens 55s Emus team that will compete at the upcoming Cup tournament in Utsunomiya, the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo.
Both are mainstays and home spun products in the Nelson Bay Neptunes senior representative program that have earned their international spurs with skilful performances in elite competition.
It is an incredible achievement by the association legends and a testament to their dedication, commitment and passion for the game.
Lennon and Shiner will fly the Port Stephens flag when they represent Australia against the best senior touch football players from across the Asia-Pacific region from October 7 to 10.
The talented Shiner is one of 63 debutant athletes that will wear the Emus’ green and gold colours for the first time.
Guided by the Federation of International Touch, the Asia-Pacific Seniors Touch Cup marks another exciting installment in the international Touch Football calendar and builds on the success of Asia Pacific Youth and Open events held in Redcliffe, Queensland and Mudgee, NSW.
The tournament will bring together the best senior Touch Football athletes from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond in a celebration of international camaraderie, with 13 nations set to compete in high-performance competition: Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, England, Hong Kong China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.
Australia will field teams across 10 divisions: Men’s 30s; Men’s 35s; Men’s 40s; Men’s 45s; Men’s 50s; Men’s 55s; Senior Mixed; Women’s 27s; Women’s 35s and Women’s 40s.
The selected squads reflect the depth of talent within senior Touch Football, highlighting the strength of the national pathway.
This year’s campaign will also feature nine former Emus Opens representatives, whose previous service in Australian Opens teams brings valuable experience and leadership to the touring squad including Tony Eltakchi, Karina Haddin, Kelly Kennedy, Jayden Love, David Roberts, Gavin Shuker, Garry Sonda, Jamie Stow and Kylie Stewart.
Supporting the athletes is a dedicated group of 30 coaches, assistant coaches and managers including 16 debutant team officials.
Their selection highlights the strength of Australia’s coaching and leadership pathways and the continued growth of the senior representative program, with the group bringing a wealth of experience, expertise and passion to the program.
Touch Football Australia Chief Executive Officer Marcus Ashcroft said the touring party assembled was a great reflection of the development pathways that exist throughout the sport.
“The Emus senior squads also recognise the commitment and contribution of those who have consistently performed at the highest level,” he said.
By Chris KARAS
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