Last Friday, the second annual Touch of Pride event tapped off at Deakin Playing Fields in the ACT. Ominous clouds and expected wet weather failed to dampen anyone's mood as there was plenty of colour and glam on show.
Launched in 2022, Touch of Pride is an initiative from Touch Football Australia (TFA) to make Touch Football a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for all Australians regardless of gender, sexuality, and diverse backgrounds. A celebration of inclusion and gender diversity, 50% of each team's entry fee will be donated to QLife; a charity that provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Eight corporate teams left the office for a fun day of touch footy action. There were plenty of laughs, dives, and tries throughout the opening games of the morning which each team contesting three round robin games to determine seeding for the quarter-finals. After the lunch break, finals action got underway. With the music and colour still thriving, the action came down to the final game of the day. In the Glam Final, it was the Australian Federal Police who emerged victorious, defeating the Department of Health and Aged Care in an exciting final. The two teams were separated by one try.
Building upon the success of inaugural events in Brisbane and Canberra, Touch of Pride is set to return in 2024. Keep an eye out on TFA socials for updates on the date and venue.
To learn more about TFA’s Inclusion initiatives or to find out how your Affiliate/Club can become more inclusive, click here.
