NRL Touch Football Australia (NRL TFA) congratulates the following members who are the deserving recipients of the NRL TFA Volunteer Medal for January. 

Leigh Achurch (SA)

Leigh Achurch volunteers his time as a grounds manager for Whyalla Touch Club. He has been responsible for ensuring the Whyalla Touch grounds are maintained during competition, dedicating his own time, money and equipment to line marking the fields. Without Leighs dedication to ensuring the ongoing maintenance of the fields and regular line marking, the club would struggle to ensure the competition would go ahead. Line marking fields is a thankless task, and Leigh is worthy of acknowledgment for his efforts.

Greg Frost (SA)

Greg Frost is a long-time touch player, referee, coach and administrator. He is currently a referee as well as Permit Manager for the South West Wolves.  Greg’s volunteering has directly contributed to the revival of the South West Wolves, ensuring that the permit would continue to be part of State League. He also dedicates his time to organising social teams assisting with the viability of competitions, and coaches for schools and Pacific school games.  Greg’s long term commitment to the game and sharing of his expertise and time continues to make a positive impact on the touch community.

Sharon Gray (SA)

A true advocate and supporter of Touch in South Australia, Sharon Gray continues to dedicate her time to supporting the growth of Touch Football in grassroot communities. A long time player and national representative, Sharon uses her expertise and time to encourage and develop touch programs in secondary schools encouraging participation by both students and teachers. Sharon is also the permit managers for Eastern Stingrays, a role that is critical to the function of State League.

Adam Johnson (SA)

Adam Johnson is a long serving volunteer of the South Australian Touch community. He takes on a number of critical roles include Central Scorpions Permit manager, films games at club, state and national level, actively attends and supports SA Heat at NTL’s, NYC and Alliance Cup and supports coaches at training camps, selections and training drills, filming and talent ID. Adams presence at competitions both state and national level and the support and encouragement he gives SA Heat teams continues to make a positive contribution within the Touch Football community.

Dean Philip (SA)

Dean continues to be involved and contribute to the touch football community as both a player and a coach. He has coached at the highest level for South Australia, and is currently the Men’s T-League coach for 2018 NTL’S and open’s men’s state league coach for the Scorpions. Dean’s commitment to learning and imparting knowledge through his coaching has be critical in developing SA elite pathways. He is passionate, collaborative and forward thinking in all roles he undertakes, and continues to be a role model for aspiring coaches.

Bill Sheeky (SA)

Bill Sheeky has volunteer within the sport of touch for over 20 years as a player, referee, coach and administrator. Bill has committed to pursuing and running a successful junior competition at Demons Touch Football club to help boost junior participation in SA. Bill is a tireless and committed volunteers who has assisting in helping to grow affiliates within SA by dedicating his time, expertise and skills. Bill has been recognised by his club, local council and TFSA for his volunteering efforts and is deserving of the TFA volunteer medal.

Anton Van Rensberg (SA)

Anton is an accredited level 6 referee who has officiated in two FIT World Cups, multiple NTL’s and other representative touch tournaments across Australia. Anton has been a long-time advocate for touch in SA, focusing his time and ability on helping to develop other referees. This includes volunteering his time to mentor and coach upcoming referees. Anton’s commitment and dedication continues to provide a positive example within the touch football community.

Congratulations to all our deserving volunteers!

The TFA Volunteer Medal is an initiative created to recognise those within our sport who provide ongoing support, and demonstrate a positive example as a member of their local Touch Football community.

Affiliates across the country can nominate deserving applicants through an online survey providing an opportunity to recognise the ongoing support that drives the sport and makes a significant difference to our participants experience.

To nominate your volunteer, click here.

To read the criteria and nomination process, click here.

To read about the previous recipients click here.