For those looking to ease their way back to fitness after a hot desert summer, registration for the Middle East Touch Championships 2015 is now open.

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More than 40 male, female and mixed teams from the Middle East and overseas are expected to take part in the two-day competition, which will take place at Al Ghazal Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, from 22-23 October, 2015.

Two former international rugby league stars, Scott Prince and Apollo Perelini – who represented Australia and Samoa respectively – will also be on-hand to provide expert tuition for younger fans of the game in a dedicated Daman Kids’ Skills Clinic.

The game of Touch is a combination of rugby league, basketball and union, but without the tackles and hard knocks of traditional rugby. 

Touch continues to grow in popularity in the region thanks to its outstanding social and fitness credentials.

With an estimated 610 calories burned per hour and covering an approximate distance of more than 3,000 metres per 20-minute, it is easy to see significant numbers of people are turning to the sport.

“The Middle East has really taken to Touch,” John Larkins of Middle East Touch said. “Teams from the region participated in the Touch World Cup in Australia back in April and only last month many attended the European National Championships in the UK.

“It’s highly inclusive and as a result uptake is growing fast, particularly within schools – more than 40 schools across the region are taking part in Touch programmes throughout 2015-2016, which is fantastic news!”

“This year we have teamed up with a variety of sports clubs, offering spectators on the day the chance to try their hand at activities such as basketball, netball, football and Jiu Jitsu.”

This year, participants are expected to take part from all over the region, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, India and Sri Lanka.

Rory Young, Operations Director at Al Ghazal Golf Club, adds: “We are thrilled to be hosting the Middle East Touch Championships this year and look forward to welcoming both teams and spectators to our friendly club which boasts top of the range facilities.

“Al Ghazal Golf Club will provide the perfect setting for a good fun, family day out.”

For more information and to register a team, please contact victoria@corporateaffair-me.com or visit the website here. The deadline for team entry is 28 September, 2015.