It has become the biggest event on the Port Stephens sporting calendar, breaking all previous records and attracting thousands of visitors to the Bay from all over the state over a single weekend.
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The 13th annual Peter Wilson Memorial Championship, to be hosted for the third year in a row by the Nelson Bay Touch Association, will in 2020 exceed all expectations when the tournament gets underway at the Tomaree touch fields this Saturday and Sunday (February 1-2).
The number of teams has increased from 156 in 2019 to 183 this year, many arriving from far reaching areas of NSW and for the first time three affiliates from Sydney.
There will be a total of 496 games to be officiated by more than 200 referees across 15 fields between the hours of 8am and 6pm both days.
Add the number of coaches, trainers, selectors, family and friends of players - from under 8s to under 18s - and you have a mini city established in the heart of Port Stephens with all the tourism benefits in areas such as accommodation, tourist activities, restaurants/cafes and retail.
Association president Ian Doherty said that tournament organisers this year would be paying particular attention by spending $2000 to managing traffic and car parking in and around the sporting complex.
"The tournament, now in its 13th year, keeps growing in patronage and popularity, with many association now bypassing the state cup to come to Nelson Bay," Doherty said.
"It has become a fantastic event for touch started by the Hunter Hornets and a tremendous boost for the Port Stephens economy, with many visitors arriving on the Thursday or Friday and staying till the Monday.
"That means more business for accommodation places, restaurants and cafes, tourist operators ... the list goes on."
To cater for the growing numbers, the tournament will again be played on Don Waring and Dick Burwell ovals in addition to No. 1 Sportsground and the Tomaree touch fields.
Nelson Bay Neptunes will field in excess of 10 teams in both the boys and girls divisions. The finals will be conducted from noon on Sunday.
Touch selectors will be on hand, providing players an opportunity to gain future representative honours.
Doherty said that junior touch had blossomed in recent years due to the sport's clean image, low cost and many health benefits.
"It's a relatively cheap sport to play, it's local so parents don't have to worry about travelling out of town, it's quick [45 minutes a game] and players learn skills which can be transferred to other codes such as league, union, AFL and netball."
He said that volunteers would play a major part in ensuring the tournament's success, and paid tribute to Port Stephens Council for its support.
"Volunteer members and Rotary will be manning the barbecue, drinks and refreshments stalls so we be looking for all hands on deck to get us through two hectic days while ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable experience."
