Touch Football Australia (TFA) is pleased to announce the appointments of Sam Flinn as Senior Marketing Manager and Michael Massih as National Participation Programs Manager, as the organisation continues to align its structure with the future needs of the sport and its long-term strategic vision.
These key roles have been designed to support the growing trajectory of Touch Football in Australia. Both Flinn and Massih bring extensive expertise in their respective fields and will play vital roles in driving TFA’s strategic transformation and delivering greater outcomes for the wider sporting community.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Sam and Michael to the TFA team during a critical period of growth to support the ever-evolving landscape of Touch Football in Australia,” TFA Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Ashcroft said.
“Their leadership experience and values strongly align with our direction, allowing us to connect deeper with our community and achieve the long-term strategic priorities of our sport.”
Senior Marketing Manager
The Senior Marketing Manager leads the development and execution of national marketing strategies that grow brand awareness, drive participation, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. The role plays a central function in how TFA communicates with its audiences – managing digital campaigns, advertising and branding, and integrated promotional activities across all platforms.
An Adelaide local, Flinn’s appointment followed a three-stage national screening process that attracted over 110 applicants. Candidates from diverse industries were assessed by six panel members, including key members of the Commercial team, on criteria including strategic marketing capability, commercial acumen, leadership experience, and crisis management.
Flinn brings a wealth of marketing and leadership experience from a range of sectors, having held senior roles across finance, digital agencies, e-commerce, and the music industry. He has successfully led national campaigns and managed cross-functional teams across both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Flinn will commence in the role from Monday, August 11 2025.
National Participation Programs Manager
The National Participation Programs Manager is responsible for driving national alignment and innovation in the delivery of participation programs. This includes leading school engagement, All Abilities initiatives, and supporting growth and impact at the community level through strong collaboration with State offices and affiliates.
With almost 100 applicants for the participation-focused role, Massih was appointed following a competitive four-stage recruitment process. Assessment was conducted by eight panel members across both National and State offices to ensure a thorough and robust evaluation of strategic alignment and long-term fit for the organisation.
The technical capabilities of the role required the successful candidate to demonstrate strategic expertise in national program development, a deep understanding of inclusive design for diverse communities, and sophisticated stakeholder engagement in a national sporting environment.
While TFA recognises the reality of networks across the sector, it’s important to note that although Massih is the brother of a current TFA employee, a rigorous recruitment process was undertaken to mitigate any potential conflict of interest and ensure transparency, equity, and the appointment of the most suitable candidate who aligned with TFA’s values and strategic vision.
Massih brings extensive leadership and delivery experience across community sport, having successfully driven participation, inclusion, and innovation initiatives at both state and national levels. With a unique combination of experience as an elite athlete, coach, and administrator across soccer, tennis, and volleyball, he is well-positioned to lead the growth of inclusive, sustainable participation pathways across the country.
Massih will commence in the role from Tuesday, August 5 2025.
