Touch Football Australia (TFA) is strengthening its national and state network with a series of key staff appointments, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to sustainable growth under its strategic plan, The Next Play.
These appointments advance TFA’s leadership capability, operational effectiveness, and connection to the community, with a continued focus on supporting participants, affiliates, and stakeholders across the country. The new roles span leadership, growth, integrity, and digital service delivery, reflecting the evolving needs of the sport and positioning it for future success.
TFA Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Ashcroft, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to have Ajay, Peter, Craig, and Andrew on board at TFA, and even in the short time that they’ve been with us, I can already see the immense positive impact that they will have on our sport.
“It’s also great to see Gabe Hodges transition into a national role with TFA after six years of fantastic work with the ACT in several roles.
“In early June, Dean Russell will also be joining the team after more than thirty years at NSW Touch Football (NSWTF). He brings a wealth of experience in our sport, and I look forward to seeing his contribution expand nationally.
“These appointments demonstrate the investment into our people, our systems, and our structures that will ultimately improve the level of service and support that we provide to the whole touch football community.”
General Manager, People, Culture & Safety – Ajay Smith
Ajay brings extensive executive experience leading human resources functions across large organisations, including senior roles within state government and national bodies. He has successfully guided human resources strategy, organisational transformation, and performance frameworks supporting thousands of employees.
In his role with TFA, Ajay will oversee human resources, culture, safety, integrity, and diversity and inclusion, playing a key role in supporting organisational culture and supporting the development of TFA’s people.
A lifelong contributor to touch football, Ajay has been involved in the sport for decades as both a National and International Referee and as part of the National Referee Squad. He has also played a leading role in advancing inclusion within the sport, contributing to the development of participation guidelines for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse participants, alongside leadership roles with his local affiliate, Caboolture Touch.
"I’ve been involved with Touch Football for a long time, and it’s a privilege to be stepping into a new leadership role with TFA to support its people and culture. I’m looking forward to building on the great work already underway to make TFA a great place to work,” Smith said.
General Manager, Operations – Peter Smyth
Peter is a highly experienced executive with a strong background in finance, operations, governance, and strategy across complex organisations. He has held senior leadership roles, including Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with BT Funds Management, Fidelity Investments, and Principal Global Investors, where he oversaw finance, technology, and compliance functions.
More recently, Peter has worked within the sport and entertainment sector, refining financial frameworks, enhancing governance, and improving operational performance.
At TFA, Peter will oversee finance, IT, insurance, legal, and compliance, bringing significant expertise and capability to support TFA’s operational foundations. He also brings a strong passion for community sport, currently serving as Treasurer and Chairman of Selectors at Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club.
"I’m really excited to be joining TFA, with its strong ethos of inclusivity, connection, and excellence. I’m looking forward to building the systems and operations that will enable an already strong community to continue to thrive,” Smyth said.
National Participation Programs Manager – Gabe Hodges
Gabe transitions into the National Participation Programs Manager role following six years of outstanding contributions in the ACT as State Manager and Alliance State Manager, complemented by her work with the Australian Sports Commission. A highly valued member of our team, she brings deep experience and proven leadership to TFA.
Well respected among her peers, Gabe brings a great understanding of grassroots and national participation, program delivery, and sport development frameworks. In her new role, she will play a key part in strengthening TFA’s participation programs and supporting continued growth across the sport on a national scale.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be moving into a new role with TFA and continuing to work with its great people. I’ve loved working with our ACT community, and I’m excited to take that experience to help grow participation nationally for the sport,” Hodges said.
Growth Manager, Victoria – Craig Haydock
Craig joins TFA with extensive experience across sport operations, governance, and stakeholder engagement, having held roles with state and national organisations including Gymnastics Australia, Badminton Victoria, and Baseball Victoria.
In his role, Craig will lead the delivery of Victoria’s State Action Plan, aligned with TFA’s national strategic priorities, with a focus on sustainable participation growth and increasing the sport’s presence across the Alliance state. He will also work closely with the Melbourne Storm, in line with TFA’s growing partnership with the NRL, to further build the relationship and deliver mutually beneficial outcomes that enhance both sports’ profiles to new audiences.
His strong understanding of community sport and the volunteer landscape, combined with his experience across multiple sporting codes, positions him well to build meaningful relationships and support affiliates throughout Victoria.
"I’m absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the Growth Manager role for Victoria, and I can't wait to work alongside such a passionate community to bring the incredible sport of Touch Football to even more participants,” Haydock said.
Digital Services Coordinator – Andrew Lei
Andrew will support the delivery and continuous improvement of TFA’s core digital platforms, working closely with NSW Touch Football, Queensland Touch Football, and affiliates and administrators to improve the systems that underpin participation and administration.
He brings over six years of experience in digital service coordination, alongside strong practical knowledge of the sport through his involvement with UNSW Touch as both an administrator and digital developer. His experience is also complemented by his existing connection to Touch Football as a player and referee, including volunteering at representative-level events across NSW.
Andrew’s role will focus on optimising user experience and supporting key platforms, including MySideline and TFA’s new Learning Management System in partnership with the NRL, ensuring they continue to meet the needs of the Touch Football community.
"It’s a privilege to join TFA at such an important time for the sport. I look forward to supporting initiatives that enhance the experience for players, referees, and administrators, and help drive the future growth of Touch Football nationally,” Lei said.
National Integrity & Compliance Manager – Dean Russell
Dean joins TFA after more than three decades of leadership experience within the Australian sporting landscape, including as General Manager for NSWTF since 2002. Across his career, he has played a central role in governance, integrity, and disciplinary frameworks at both state and national levels.
He has been closely involved in compliance and policy development, overseeing the development and implementation of key judicial frameworks that continue to support integrity processes across Touch Football nationally today. Dean has built an extensive network of relationships across all levels of the game and has led NSWTF through significant periods of change, positioning him well to support participants and stakeholders across the sport.
Dean’s experience is underpinned by his extended involvement with the Touch Football community. A highly respected figure within the community, Dean is a TFA and NSWTF Hall of Fame inductee, a Bill Ker Medallist, and a member of the NSWTF Golden Jubilee Mixed Open team. In his new role with TFA, he will play a key part in developing and maintaining the sport’s integrity functions, so that the Touch Football community can continue to participate in a safe, inclusive, and fair environment.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling to move on from NSWTF, but I am thankful and excited for the opportunity to continue my Touch Football journey with TFA, and genuinely looking forward to the next challenge,” Russell said.
