Euro Touch Championships

Young Touch Players Share Olympic Dreams and International Experiences

Two Scottish international Touch players brought their inspiring story to the Rotary Club of West Fife this week, shedding light on an emerging sport with Olympic aspirations.

Niamh and Bethan Mathieson captivated their audience with a passionate presentation about Touch, a dynamic non-contact sport that blends elements of Rugby League and Rugby Union. In this fast-paced game, players replace traditional tackles with strategic touches, creating a unique athletic experience.

The Mathieson sisters' journey to the European Youth Touch Championships in Vichy, France, was anything but ordinary. Selected through rigorous trials for the Scottish Touch academy, they underwent intense training that would challenge even seasoned athletes.

"Just two years ago, we had never even heard of Touch," Bethan explained. Now, they've represented Scotland on the international stage, competing against teams from England, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, and the Cayman Islands.  Their championship performance was impressive. After initial challenges, including a tough loss to England, the Scottish team rallied. They secured victories against the Cayman Islands and Italy, ultimately finishing in a respectable sixth place.

Despite their success, the sisters highlighted the significant challenges facing Touch in Scotland. Unlike in countries where the sport is affiliated with national rugby organisations, Scottish Touch receives no direct funding. Teams must seek lottery grants, sponsorships, and personal fundraising to cover essential costs like travel, accommodation, and team equipment.

Neil Spriddle, a past president  of the Rotary Club and former Dunfermline rugby player, was particularly critical of the Scottish Rugby Union's (SRU) lack of involvement:-

“I think it's to the great shame of the Scottish Rugby Union that they're not involved in this. It's absolutely exactly what they should be doing, since there will be a lot of positives on both sides for the Scottish Rugby Union to be involved in this. I can't understand why they're not” he stated, arguing that Touch offers significant developmental opportunities for young athletes.

Looking forward, the sport has ambitious goals. Touch is hopeful about inclusion in the 2032 Olympics, which could dramatically raise its profile and support.  Currently, Niamh and Bethan continue their Touch journey with the Edinburgh-based Galaxy team, serving as ambassadors for a sport that has already transformed their lives in just two short years.