Sporting Highlight: 2024 All Schools Touch

The 2024 Gold Coast Titans All Schools Touch Football Carnival was a tremendous success, with our Girls Grammar team representing the school with pride, determination, and outstanding sportsmanship.

Held over five days at Runaway Bay, the event hosted over 580 teams from Queensland, interstate, and even international schools. This brought over 8,000 students participating as players and referees competing across 30 fields, which was truly an amazing sight to see.

This year, our Girls Grammar team featured five debutants, and they played with exceptional skill and heart. Led by our experienced players, the younger team members rose to the challenge in the Opens division, showing promise for the future. Their growth in touch football is something I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing in the coming years.

While we faced some tight matches and draws, this year’s performance set a new standard for our Girls Grammar team. The team’s cohesion, strategic organization, and leadership on the field were exceptional, and their commitment to each other was truly inspiring. The quality of play, from defensive coverage to executing plays, was at an all-time high.

Among the highlights were Isabel and Sophie’s electrifying speed, which saw them sprint down the field for incredible tries. Sophie and Alissa’s diving efforts were met with roaring cheers from the sidelines, while the defensive grit and determination to support each other in saving tries was nothing short of remarkable. I couldn’t have been prouder of this group of girls.

If you asked the team, they might say their personal highlights were our evening walks down Cavill Avenue to grab Yo-Chi and watch the street performers, or witnessing Ellexis steal the show at the Ferry Road Tavern during our team dinner with her impromptu singing performance alongside the house band.

A special mention goes to Clare, who represented Girls Grammar as our student referee. Refereeing at a state-level event for the first time, she handled the responsibility with calmness, clarity, and professionalism. Tasked with officiating the fast-paced Open Mixed division, Clare made quick, confident decisions and kept up with the action effortlessly. She may very well have a future in professional sports refereeing.

Team awards for Player of the Carnival, Most Improved, and Players' Player will be presented at assembly on October 23. While only a few players will receive these accolades, each of the fourteen players deserves recognition for their contributions, and I couldn’t be more proud as their coach.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you goes to the P&F for their unwavering support. Your contributions not only helped the All Schools Touch team but also the QISSN and All Schools Oztag teams throughout the year. Without your support, attending these high-level state competitions would be much more difficult. Your generosity enables us to continue building such strong and successful teams - thank you!

Greta Doherty, Director of Sport & All Schools Touch Coach