In South Australia, the All Abilities Touch Beyond program at Thomas More College continues to go from strength to strength, with weekly sessions now in their second year and engaging around twenty students. What began as an initiative for Year 7 students has expanded in 2026 to include both Year 7 and 8 cohorts, with returning participants joining a new group of students eager to get involved.
Delivered in partnership with Touch Football Australia, the program was designed to provide a fun, inclusive, and engaging pathway into sport, and its impact is already clear. Students who were once hesitant are now looking forward to taking part each week, reflecting the program’s strong focus on building confidence, connection, and participation in Touch Football.
The All Abilities Touch Beyond program has quickly become a highlight of the school week, giving students the opportunity to be active, connect with their peers, and develop new skills in a supportive environment.
Each session is designed so that every student can participate and contribute at their own pace. The low-contact nature of Touch Football creates a safe space where students can challenge themselves physically while developing essential life skills. Beyond improving cardiovascular fitness and coordination, students are learning to regulate emotions, manage excitement, and adapt calmly to the fast pace of the game.
A defining strength of the program is its ability to combine physical activity with cognitive development. With all participants new to the sport, sessions require students to recall rules, practise emerging skills, and make decisions in real time. Teachers report that this has strengthened working memory, problem-solving abilities, and students’ capacity to follow multi-step instructions, skills that are carrying over into the classroom.
The impact has been particularly evident in students’ confidence and social engagement.
“The program has opened up a space where students feel safe to try, learn, and connect,” one staff member shared.
“We’ve watched students who were once hesitant become active leaders on the field. Other students began the program with limited emotional regulation tools, and now, they are totally independent, and these techniques are transferring into other areas of school.”
For many students, the growth has been both visible and deeply personal. One standout moment last year involved a student who initially struggled with the pace of the game and the complexity of the rules. Over time, he began recalling plays independently, communicating clearly with teammates, and celebrating small wins. That sense of achievement proved transformative, marking a turning point in his confidence both on the field and in the classroom.
The program’s continued growth has also opened the door for leadership opportunities, with returning students now helping guide and encourage newer participants. Their involvement is helping foster a strong culture of inclusion, encouragement, and community within the sessions.
As participation continues to grow, the All Abilities Touch Beyond program is proving far more than just a sports initiative, it’s a powerful example of inclusive education in action. By creating a space where every student can succeed, it is helping young people build confidence, connection, and a genuine sense of belonging.
