Touch Football will take over Townsville as the Junior State Cup North (JSCN) returns, from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 April 2026, bringing together more than 107 teams from across the Northern Region for one of the largest junior Touch Football tournaments in the north.
With matches played across Queens Park, Townsville and the Townsville Sports Precinct, the three‑day tournament will transform the city into a hub of junior sport, featuring high‑energy, fast‑paced games across multiple fields.
Team numbers climbing from 104 in 2025 to 107 in 2026, the event signals a strong resurgence in junior participation, edging back toward the event’s biggest years and reinforcing its place on the Northern Region sporting calendar.
The tournament will welcome players, coaches, referees and families travelling from across Queensland’s north, including Cairns, Moranbah, Charters Towers and surrounding communities, as well as interstate representation from Victoria, creating a vibrant atmosphere both on and off the field.
More than 3,000 attendees are expected across the event, delivering a significant economic and social boost to the Townsville community, with accommodation providers, hospitality venues and local businesses all set to benefit.
Junior State Cup North will feature 10 divisions, showcasing the depth of junior talent across both boys’ and girls’ pathways from Under 10s through to Under 18s.
Former NRL star and Townsville local Scott Prince said the Junior State Cup North plays a critical role in developing the region’s next generation of athletes.
“Events like Junior State Cup North are incredibly important for our young players,” Prince said.
“It’s not just about winning games – it’s about experiencing high‑quality competition, learning what it takes to perform, and building memories with teammates and family. For regional kids, having an event of this scale in Townsville is massive and shows them that big opportunities can start right here at home.”
Junior State Cup North is recognised as one of the largest junior Touch Football tournaments in the Northern Region, providing a key development platform for aspiring representative players while celebrating the community spirit that defines the sport.
For more information, visit https://nqtouch.au/regional/jscnorth.
