Get Ishma-Eel to the 2018 FEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL TOUCH (FIT) YOUTH WORLD CUP KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

To Whom It May Concern,

This serves to confirm that Ishma-Eel Gallie has been selected as a member of the South African Mens U18 Touch Rugby Team to compete at the 2018 Federation of International Touch (FIT) Youth World Cup.

All members of the squad are endorsed by the South African Touch Association (SATA) to seek sponsorship, in appropriate ways, to assist covering their costs of participation at the World Cup Tournament scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 8 – 11 August 2018.

The Youth Touch World Cup provides an exciting opportunity for the young elite players of our sport to compete at the highest level, providing a potential pathway to future Open representation. The tournament is expected to host 50 teams from across the globe in six divisions. South Africa will be sending six teams, to participate in the following divisions:

Men’s 18

Ladies 18

Mixed 18

Men’s 20

Ladies 20

Mixed 20

SATA is affiliated to the Federation of International Touch (F.I.T.) the international administrative body for the sport of Touch. The Open and Youth World Cup Tournaments are hosted every four years one of the F.I.T. affiliated member countries (although the Youth Tournament has had a 13-year hiatus). South Africa competes at this event regularly.

Touch Rugby receives no national subsidy as is the case with most sport in South Africa outside of the Big Five (rugby, soccer, cricket, swimming and athletics). All players’ costs for any tournaments and representation of their province or country are self-funded. The fact that this sport has grown and developed to the extent it has, is testimony to the players’ passion and commitment to the sport of Touch.

Attendance at the 2017 Youth World Cup poses a massive financial obstacle to players as initial budget calculations for the tour are at approximately R50,000 per player.

SATA itself is also continuing to pursue sponsorship in support of the players’ efforts and dedication to achieving their goal in participating at this prestigious event

We trust you will take this opportunity to support outstanding, talented, South African sportsmen and women to compete at the highest international level of their chosen sport.