OVER 3000 touch footballers laced up their boots and took to the Tuffins Lane fields in Port Macquarie, eager to make their mark at the 2025 Senior State Cup (SSC).
For the 38th consecutive year, the Port Makos Touch Football Association hosted the premier sporting event, which featured three days of intense competition between 5 to 7 December.
In addition to the 240 teams and their supporters, were 300 referees: all adding up to around 6000 visitors.
A Men’s Open Team from Singapore competed along with an Open Mixed Team from Japan.
The pinnacle of the competition was on Sunday afternoon, with spectators and players treated to some of the fiercest Grand Final matches witnessed in several years.
The Port Makos were among the standout performers, fielding seven representative squads and securing state titles in three divisions.
The Mixed Seniors and Masters successfully defended their titles, coming away as back-to-back champions, followed by the Women’s 45s who took home gold in a convincing win.
Makos Club President Wayne Gleeson spoke with pride when reflecting on the club’s performance.
“We are stoked with how the weekend went,” he said.
“The weather was hot and there was a bit of wind on the final day, but that definitely didn’t affect the standard of touch football played.
“From the club’s perspective, it was amazing to secure three trophies.
“The Women’s 45s, led admirably by Anna Gleeson, were well-deserved winners.
“The Mixed Masters got there in the end and still remain undefeated after two years of State Cup competition.
“While our Mixed Seniors set the benchmark in professionalism and commitment, winning all weekend in a canter.”
Echoing Wayne’s sentiments was Linda Bryan, Club Secretary for Port Makos.
She proudly reflected on the strengthening club culture and emerging talent: “from our Under 20s Men and Women, Women’s Opens and 45s, followed by three mixed teams in the Opens, Seniors and Masters divisions.
“All grand finals featured a Port Makos team member named as the Player of the Final, with Beau Montgomery, Glen Littler and Anna Gleeson receiving the honours,” she said.
“We have some promising young talent emerging through the ranks and are certain you will be seeing some of our players featuring in the origin and international arena in the near future.”
By Kim AMBROSE
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