Up And Coming Touch-Footy Sportswoman
In order to get the most out of your squad, you need your play¬ers to be more than teammates. For the DeBrincat family, they have this nailed. Mum, Dad and their three children, all play touch football; with four of the five playing in the same Whitsunday team. Not only does it help the family to deepen their bond, it also provides a sense of unparalleled camaraderie to back each other up on the sports field.
Aaron DeBrincat, Alita DeBrincat, and their children; Xavier (13), Bella (12) and Jay (9) are all members of the Whitsunday Touch Association, based at the Whitsunday Sportspark. Xavier and Bella play in the same team as their parents in the C Grade competition, while Jay plays in the junior competition. The family extend their passion for the sport beyond competing. Aaron and Alita started playing many years ago and jumped straight into coaching the kids. They are both members of the Whitsunday Touch Association committee, while Aaron and Bella have also completed their referee course.
Aaron and Alita are delighted with the progress of the Whitsunday Sportspark, sighting its potential to draw large touch tournaments in the future
“The Whitsunday Sportspark is really starting to take shape. At the completion of works it will certainly become a fantastic community hub for sports and socialising alike. Sportspark President, Justin Butler, has put in a great deal of hours each week into seeing this development progress. We hope that local council and the State Government continue to support our region by ensuring the Sportspark plans are fully funded to completion, to bring large sporting events to the Whitsundays,” Alita said.
Player Profile – Bella DeBrincat
Bella started playing Touch Football two years ago in both the junior competition and school competition. She’s starting to progress as a player to watch in the senior competition as a star player for the team, ‘Young and Winded’ aptly named for the combination of young and old in the team. Bella played in the school representative team and competed in a competition at Bowen. With a thirst for competition, she also enjoys triathlon, cross country and has recently taken up AFL. She enjoys time out on the water and will snorkel for hours.
Why do you love playing touch footy?
“I love competing, playing as a family and seeing new people join the fun of touch footy. Being a referee is a little scary, but I have experienced refs to help me.”
What are your sporting ambitions?
“I’d love to become a professional touch footy player, but might set my sights on AFL. I’d love to do triathlons or become a policewoman. If sport doesn’t become a career, then I’d be happy to become a chef and travel the world cooking up a storm.”
Who is your sporting idol?
“Jonathan Thurston is the king! Dad and Mum encourage us to play a variety of sports, be it as an individual or as a team. They love to throw a footy with us and dad always wants to run and is pushing me to race harder. Soon I’ll be able to beat him on a run (I wish).”
A game for everyone, Touch Football is especially welcoming to women and families. It’s a fantastic social game and caters for all levels of experience. Check out Whitsunday Touch on Facebook for more information and get ‘in touch’ today.
