Bondi Beach to host touch footy Guinness World Record attempt, all for a good cause

Benyam Kidane

Bondi Beach to host touch footy Guinness World Record attempt, all for a good cause image

The legs are always sore after a game of touch footy. How about a game that lasts for a day and a half?

That's exactly what a group of mates in Sydney is trying to attempt and in the process break a Guinness World Record, all in the name of charity. 

The Tama Touch Group is taking over Bondi Beach on Wednesday and Thursday this week for 'The Longest Game for Mental Health' to break the current record for the 'Longest Non-Stop Game of Beach Touch Rugby'.

The current record is held by the UK’s Sandbaggers Rugby Club, coming in at 34 hours and six seconds!

The record-breaking attempt kicks off at 6:00 a.m. AEST on September 3 through to sunset the following day, with the group aiming to raise $340,000 for Beyond Blue. 

"This isn’t just about breaking a record," said committee member John Nelligan.

“It’s about showing what happens when blokes show up for each other. We’ve built something special over the years, and now we’re using it to make a difference.

"With an average age of 50, we’ve got more grey hairs than game plans and more tape than talent. We’ve got dad bods, dodgy hammies and a training regime built on banter and bruises, but we’re out to show that although age has stiffened our joints, it won’t stop us chasing a world record for a good cause."

The Tama Touch Group started their games back in 2001, and over the years the game has gone from a group of mates getting active to providing a safe space to have a laugh, talk, and support each other's mental health. 

There will be DJs playing music, food vendors on site, as the local community comes together to support a good cause.

You can show your support by making a donation to Beyond Blue.

If you're struggling with your mental health and want to talk to someone, you can contact Beyond Blue's 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636.

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.