The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Inter-Services Tournament brought together top touch football players, leading referees and an ADF women’s open team for a high-intensity showcase of competition and Defence camaraderie last month.
  
Chairman of the NZDF Touch Football Association Captain Greg Mildon led the planning, coordination and international engagement for the event, held from March 24 to 26.  

The last time the two nations held a similar tournament was in 2014.

The Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force, New Zealand Army and New Zealand Police Force fielded teams for this year’s event. 

“The difference between New Zealand and Australian touch is marked, but in the military context this is our partnership-building. It’s good for our game on both sides of the Tasman,” Captain Mildon said.   

Commander for the ADF contingent in New Zealand, Colonel David Bellas, said sport achieved international engagement objectives and built strategic and personal relationships for the future.

He said the ADF Touch Football Association was an inclusive community that brought together a diverse range of Defence personnel, creating powerful benefits for morale, connection and shared purpose.  

'They haven’t been easy wins. The players are very humble and grateful to play overseas and have been working very hard in the training days leading up to do well in competition.'
 

“It gives the individual an outlet, and works on our members’ teamwork, fitness and improves our organisation’s culture,” Lieutenant Colonel Bellas said.  
 
“The players, referees and coaches talk to each other about their careers as well, across ranks and experience levels, so the networking and sharing of wisdom around the sport can make a real difference to peoples’ careers.”  
 
The ADF team also had an opportunity to honour the local culture, the history of the ANZACs and the relationship between Australia and New Zealand.

“We have made the most of the opportunity and privilege to reflect personally on our partnership’s history,” Lieutenant Colonel Bellas said.  
 
The team visited the Defence War Memorial in Wellington and the ANZAC exhibit in the National Museum.  
 
“It was important for us to give the team an opportunity to connect with where they are, as well as the history and culture of the country they are in,” Lieutenant Colonel Bellas said.  
  
The ADF team came away with an overall tournament win, and had the privilege of playing in a trans-Tasman game against a combined NZDF team to conclude the tournament.  
 
“They haven’t been easy wins. The players are very humble and grateful to play overseas and have been working very hard in the training days leading up to do well in competition,” Lieutenant Colonel Bellas said.  
 
He said the Anzac spirit – enduring mateship and teamwork – was alive and well in the touch footy community.  
 
For more information about joining ADF Touch Football, or another ADF sporting team, contact ADF Sports via email at defence.sports@defence.gov.au