Touch of class at Peffermill

Published on Tuesday 21 June 2011 11:34

MORE than 300 Edinburgh schoolchildren were inspired by some of the world's best players at the ActivCity Touch World Cup Youth Festival at Peffermill.

As a prelude to the Touch World Cup which started today at the university playing fields and runs until Sunday, the youngsters were given a first-hand introduction to the sport from the best in the business, including current world champions Australia. Pupils from Flora Stevenson, Prestonfield, Corstorphine, Dean Park and St Francis primary schools were matched with nations competing in the World Cup including Australia, Niue, France, Guernsey and Singapore. Commenting on the Youth Festival, the Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison said: "Touch is a fast growing sport and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is a tremendous way of keeping active and having great fun at the same time.

"The growth in touch over the past few years has been fantastic and is making a very positive contribution to our efforts in encouraging a more Active Nation."