As Touch Football Australia (TFA) continues to deliver on The Next Play and strengthen participation growth across Alliance states, the organisation is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Robinson as Growth Manager, ACT & Southern NSW, commencing on 17 August 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for the sport, with the position jointly funded by TFA and NSW Touch Football (NSWTF) to strengthen collaboration and provide dedicated support across the ACT and Southern NSW region.
Emily brings more than a decade of experience across community sport, participation growth, pathway development and sport operations. Most recently serving as Sports Operations Manager at Radford College in the ACT, she has previously held roles with the Illawarra Academy of Sport and Netball NSW, where she successfully delivered participation initiatives, athlete and coach development programs, and large-scale sporting operations.
Throughout her career, Emily has built strong partnerships with schools, sporting organisations, and community stakeholders, while leading participation growth and sporting pathways. Her experience also includes developing inclusive programs for underrepresented communities and managing teams of staff, coaches, and volunteers to deliver sustainable sporting outcomes.
Reporting to TFA's General Manager, Growth & Innovation, Emily will lead the operational delivery of Touch Football across the ACT and Southern NSW, working closely alongside affiliates, schools, and key stakeholders to grow participation, build affiliate capability, and support sustainable competitions aligned with TFA's strategic priorities. She will play a key role in strengthening collaboration across the region, working closely with NSWTF, the ACT Government, Canberra Raiders, West South West Suns, and local affiliates to enhance participation opportunities.
Several community members also shared their knowledge and expertise in shaping the recruitment for the role, and TFA would like to acknowledge Chris Dolahenty (Regional Director, West South-West Suns) and Joel Anderson (Canberra Touch Association Interim Chair) for their contributions in the process.
Emily also brings extensive firsthand experience in Touch Football as both a player and volunteer. She has competed at national and state representative level, while also contributing to the sport as a coach, team manager, and volunteer across NSW and the ACT. She currently serves as the School Sport ACT Under-12 Girls Manager and remains actively involved with the Canberra City Magic and Wollongong Touch Association.
TFA Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Ashcroft, said:
" Emily brings an outstanding combination of community sport experience, leadership, and a genuine passion for Touch, making her an excellent fit for us to take a step forward in delivering The Next Play.
“By co-investing in this position with NSWTF, we're able to provide stronger, direct support for our affiliates and communities while taking a more connected approach to growing the game across state borders.
"I'd like to sincerely thank NSWTF CEO, Daniel Rushworth, his team, and all stakeholders involved for their partnership and shared commitment throughout this process. I’m excited to see Emily build on the excellent work already underway across the ACT and Southern NSW to deliver positive outcomes for the sport.”
To further support engagement across the ACT, community members are invited to attend a forum on Tuesday, 18 August at Raiders Belconnen. The forum will provide an update on the progress of the formation of an association to support the sustainable growth of the sport in the ACT, while also providing an opportunity for members to connect with Emily as she commences in her role and engage with TFA representatives. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE.
