What started as a simple Facebook post has grown into a Touch Football movement across Western Australia’s North West, and Mason Watts is right in the center of it.
Mason’s Touch Football journey began at school in Perth and continued throughout his life in regional Western Australia (WA). When he moved to Exmouth in 2017, he discovered that there was no local competition and so put the call out for a casual run. To his surprise, more than 80 people responded and with the support of a driven local committee and Touch Football WA, Exmouth Touch Football Association was born.
That momentum continued in 2019 with the relaunch of North West Touch, creating a travelling carnival that has since connected communities in Tom Price, Port Hedland, Geraldton, Karratha and Broome. This year, the carnival will return to Exmouth, with the WA Country Championships bringing Touch Football associations north.
The impact has been reflected in stronger participation and clearer pathways and since 2021, Exmouth has run a thriving junior competition with over 50 youths involved each year. Since then, we’ve seen juniors progressing to represent WA at the National Youth Championships and contribute to a growing presence at WA Junior State Titles.
Along the way, Mason has also been awarded Life Membership of Exmouth Touch Football, helped the association earn multiple Shire awards, and claimed his own WA State Championship win as part of the Men’s 30s Karratha team.
For Mason, Touch Football is about connection as much as competition:
“The competition is fierce on the field, but away from it everyone supports each other to make the game better,” Mason said.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on keeping regional juniors engaged, providing opportunities to compete at the highest level, and ensuring senior social competitions continue to be welcoming, family-friendly environments.
Through leadership, inclusion and community spirit, Mason Watts continues to embody Touch Football Australia’s values, armed with an idea, backed by his own commitment, Mason has contributed significantly to growing the game across an entire region.
His work makes him a highly deserving recipient as TFA Volunteer of the Month.
Congratulations, Mason, and thank you for your commitment and dedication towards our sport.
To recognise volunteers from your community, please click here.
Discover more inspiring stories of previous volunteers of the month here.
