ROAD TO ROCKHAMPTON: TEIKA FAMILY

They’re a family synonymous with touch football on the Gold Coast, the Teika family.

Mum Yvette and Dad Mahuta ‘Hoots’ Teika discovered their love for the sport at the age of 15, despite growing up in New Zealand where touch football wasn’t as prominent.

Both Yvette and Mahuta represented their country at the highest level, and now they’re inspiring their kids to do the same.

“Touch to me is my life – I’ve been playing since I was 16 years,” Mahuta said.

“It’s given me good friendships, long lasting mates, fitness and in-depth knowledge of the game. And now I get to see the same for my kids.

“For them, it’s all about the challenge and what’s ahead. I just want them to love the game as much as I have, and learn as much as they can,” he said.

Sons Kyer and Lennix have been playing touch football since they were five and four years old. The brothers are now getting ready to play in the U18 Boys Division at the Junior State Cup this weekend, coached by their mum and dad.

“It’s not the easiest to switch between being their dad and being their coach,” Mahuta said.

“Especially now they’re older, they know a bit more and this year is their last year playing at the Junior State Cup.

“This team has been playing together at the Junior State Cup since they were in U10s. We won in U10s, U12s and U14s, and we’re hoping to do the same again this year,” he said.

But the family’s involvement in touch football, and the Junior State Cup, doesn’t stop there. 10-year-old Levi is following in his brother’s footsteps, playing in the U12 Boys division and Destyn, only 8-years-old, plays in the local Gold Coast competition.

“Everyone asks how I do it, how I juggle having four kids playing touch football and coaching as well,” Mahuta said.

“But it’s not how I do it, it’s that I want to do it. I want them to enjoy touch as much as what I have and at the moment they do, I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he said.

Gold Coast Touch Association General Manager Jordan Pritchett said: “The Teika family’s unwavering dedication, from their own playing careers to coaching and supporting their children, has made an incredible impact on our touch football community, especially at our club Gold Coast Touch.

“Their passion, resilience and commitment serve as an inspiration to players of all ages, and their contributions have undoubtedly enriched the sport both on and off the field,” he said.