Touch Footy was formed in Emerald in 1976.  Touch was played at the local High School and this was this was the largest sparsely grassed flat surface at the time.  The size of Touch in Emerald in the late 70’s and 80’s took a massive jump because of the coal mining industry. In 1984 touch moved to Rundle Park, due to poor lighting another venue was found which was at the Showgrounds, where 3 fields were made. In 1987 Ian Haig and Brett Anderson approached the Emerald Ag College.  A lot of volunteer hours went into building the Ag College fields up to scratch. Towards the late nineties, discussions again were made to move to the Racecourse, with a lot of blood, sweat and tears by Emeralds volunteers the fields were formed.  7 Lit Fields, a canteen, shower, toilet and admin block were built.  The ETA Facilities were named after a prominent person who contributed immensely during all those years in Touch Football in Emerald.  From the late 70’s, Ian Haig has been a pillar of gentlemanly knowledge for this sport, not only here in Emerald but also CQ to Queensland Touch.  Ian has always helped in the legal, coaching, and administrating areas and it was fitting that the ETA facilities be named

                   ""THE IAN HAIG TOUCH COMPLEX”

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