The Euros is returning to France after 15 years
Dec. 5, 2022 @ 10:00 UTC
FIT has announced Vichy as the host city for the 2023 European Touch Cup (Euros) in August.
The 2025 Euros will also be contested in France, and the consecutive events are expected to build significant momentum for Touch in France, arguably one of Europe’s sporting powerhouses.
Hosted by Touch France, the tournament will see Europe's best and brightest stars competing for glory in several divisions between 9th-12th August 2023. The event also marks the first time the Euros have been contested in the western European republic since 2008.
European Touch's premiere event will be played at The Sports Centre De Vichy (Centre Omnisports de Vichy) and will include divisions for Opens, Seniors and Mixed, Men's and Women's divisions.
Mark Croston, Chair of the FIT Board, said he is delighted that all systems are go for the Euros.
"The combination of Touch France and The Sports Centre De Vichy is event ready after hosting the successful European Touch Junior Championships in August this year," Mark said.
"The EJTC22 was a terrific event, and we are delighted that Europe's best and brightest will be able to showcase their talents at the excellent facilities in Vichy," Mark said.
Due to the combined learnings from the 2018 and 2022 Euros, the FIT Board has decided it makes commercial sense for France to host the 2025 Euros.
"We anticipate the dual events will build significant momentum for Touch in France, arguably one of Europe's sporting powerhouses," Mark said.
Vichy is the perfect location for International Touch
Vichy is a city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France, located about 360 kilometres south of Paris and is dedicated to sports activities.
Jerome Brahim, President of Touch France, is thrilled that Vichy will host the Euros in 2023 and 2025.
"As President of the Federation, I can testify that the French Touch community is delighted to welcome Europe's National Touch Associations for two European Touch Championships in 2023 and 2025.
"We know the challenge of hosting such an event. We also understand how to provide the best infrastructure for the players and control costs.
"Touch stands at a turning point in its history in France. Since the pandemic French governing bodies have put lots of effort into structuring the sport in our country and building a development plan that embraces all the opportunities our sport offers."
Event name: European Touch Championships 2023
Location: Vichy Sport, France
Host: Touch France
Dates: Tuesday 8th August to Saturday 12th August, with the first playing day is Wednesday 9th August 2023.
Entries to compete in European Touch Championships entries will open shortly, and Gary Reynolds will send members their invitations in the coming weeks.
Contact Gary Reynolds, FIT Events Manager, for tournament information, at [email protected].
For accommodation enquiries for Vichy 2023, contact Thibault Zettel from Touch France at [email protected].