From the moment she picked up a footy at the age of ten on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Jodie has loved Touch Football. All through her school years, she played rep Touch for Sunshine Coast, then North West, when her family moved to Mt Isa. After life and work commitments took her to Katherine in 2014, she wasted no time finding the local Touch competition where some friends already played. In the last couple of years, Jodie has taken on referee duties, social media, and, recently, Club President - set to lead Katherine Touch through an exciting new chapter.
Reflecting on her journey and with an eye to the future, we spoke with Jodie about her favourite memories, her goals for Katherine Touch, and what she loves most about the sport.
Can you tell us how you became involved in Touch Football?
I still remember the day it all started. When I was ten, my school ran a Touch Football session and I was hooked straight away. I joined the local competition on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and kept playing even after moving to Mount Isa. When I moved to Katherine in 2014 for work, I went looking for the local comp straight away. I already had a few friends playing, so I joined teams in both the Women’s and Mixed divisions. I had a little break when I had my kids, but once they were old enough to come along, I was back. Not long after, I joined the committee, started refereeing, and helped out with our socials. In the last few years, we have seen our numbers in our club diminish, so I decided I needed to help out as best I could and put my hand up for the Club President role, hoping to help rebuild the Touch community out here.
What do you enjoy or love the most about Touch Football?
The best thing is that anyone can play. Kids, adults, beginners, experienced players, there is a place for everyone. You do not have to be the fastest or fittest person out there.
It is also such a great way to meet people. Some of my closest friends have come through playing Touch, and I love seeing kids grow through the game. I have watched shy students go from barely saying a word to running around with huge smiles on their faces and confidence on the field.
You wear many hats. What element do you enjoy the most?
Playing will always be my first love. There is nothing better than running out with your team and just enjoying the game. Refereeing has been a lot of fun too. I still get to be part of the action and see the game from a different angle.
I feel that this past bit, stepping into the Club President role, has been the most rewarding element. It has been amazing to help get more teams involved and see the excitement of new people playing the sport for the first time. I am especially excited about getting juniors up and running again. At the end of Term 3, we are running a junior clinic, and we are hoping it will lead to a 'come and try' season in Term 4. Being part of that growth will be exciting.
What is your favourite memory or moment in the game?
My memories of playing with the Sunny Coast girls rep side and having Alfie Langer and Trevor Gillmeister turn up were pretty awesome, as well as the North West Rep side through high school at Mt Isa. Playing alongside and against Scotty Prince and his brother Stephen, as well as Katie Wolf in our Mt Isa Comp, was also great. I think playing a team sport growing up is crucial.
More recently, playing with the Women’s Camels side here in Katherine is right up there. We won a few Grand Finals in a row, which was incredible, but the best part was doing it alongside friends who love the game as much as I do.
I’ve also loved seeing the growing interest in the sport recently. We have had more juniors show an interest in getting involved. Ultimately, hopefully we can get the two high schools in Katherine to put some sides in the comp. Usually, each season we have one team from Tindal, with the RAAF Base there entering a side. But recently, they have shown interest in bringing a second team. It might seem like a small thing, but moments like that show the sport is moving in the right direction and that people are genuinely enjoying being part of it here.
What have been the biggest advancements in the sport in your opinion?
For me, it is the pathways and the exposure. Kids can now watch top-level Touch on television or online, and it really inspires them. It shows them that the sport can take you places.
There are so many more opportunities now for talented players to be recognised and to travel for competitions, whether that is to Darwin for the NT Titles or to Coffs Harbour for nationals like the NYC. The game is more visible than ever, and that is so exciting for the next generation coming through. So my aim is to help our Territory kids have somewhere to train and learn, to better themselves, before heading south to these comps, to give them the best opportunity to succeed.
Congratulations, Jodie and thanks again for your commitment and dedication towards our sport.
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