Almost 200 primary school students hit the sand last Thursday for the NRL Beach Touch Football Gala Day.
The event, run in partnership with Surf Life Saving Queensland, North Kirra Surf Club and Queensland Touch Football, had kids from Gold Coast schools descend on Coolangatta's famous beaches.
"There was plenty of action and healthy competition on display and this continued into our age division flag races," said NRL game development officer Mia Carter, who organised the day.
"Currumbin SS and Palm Beach SS were quickest across the sand to claim first place across all ages in the boys and girls divisions.
"All participants enjoyed a free sausage sizzle for lunch before hitting the sand to finish off their round-robin games."
Carter was impressed by the range of skills on show and said there were "plenty of smiles and good times".
"Special thanks to SLSQ, North Kirra SLSC and QLD Touch for partnering with our NRL Game Development team to deliver an amazing experience for everyone involved," Carter added.
The participants also took away some vital lessons.
"It was great to be involved in the NRL Beach Touch Gala Day as it gave us the opportunity to educate students from a range of schools on the importance of beach safety," said Rhiannon Brinckman, community awareness coordinator for Surf Life Saving Queensland.
"Our surf crew attended the event and engaged with students by putting them through their paces in Beach Flags. Like Touch Football, Beach Flags also requires speed and agility so it was a great way for students to test their skills in a different competition.
"Surf Life Saving Queensland continues to work closely with the NRL to promote beach safety and the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags."
