Touch Football Australia (TFA) is proud to announce Erindale College in the ACT has become the first school in the territory to join the Endorsed Schools Program.
Designed for students in Years 9 to 12, the program provides schools with access to nationally recognised Coach and Referee education courses, empowering the next generation of Touch Football leaders while creating stronger connections between schools, local affiliates, and the broader Touch Football community.
Onboarding an ACT School shows TFA’s commitment to growing the game and developing sustainable participation pathways across Australia. By endorsing schools that demonstrate a commitment to Touch Football and its values, the program aims to strengthen the sport’s coaching and officiating workforce while ensuring more young people have the opportunity to stay involved in the game beyond their playing years.
Students participating in the program will gain valuable skills, practical experience and accredited learning opportunities that not only support their development within Touch Football but also provide real-world leadership and communication skills that can be applied far beyond the sporting field.
Several schools have already committed to being part of the refreshed program, including:
- Kings College,
- Runcorn State High School,
- Southport State High School, and
- St Mary’s Catholic College, Cairns.
Led by Touch Football player and Talent Coach Elana Sliwinski, Erindale College is embracing the opportunity to further strengthen its Touch Football offering. Through the program, students will have increased opportunities to engage in school-based events such as All Schools Gala Days and All Schools Competitions, while also building pathways into Junior State competitions and major national events including the All Schools National Carnival and DoorDash National Youth Championships.
"Joining the Endorsed Schools Program is an exciting milestone for Erindale College. It strengthens the opportunities we can offer our students, from playing and performance to coaching, officiating, and leadership. We're proud to be creating an environment where students can pursue their passion for touch football while developing skills that will benefit them both in sport and in life," Sliwinski said.
Beyond the playing opportunities, the program provides students with recognised accreditations, meaningful leadership experiences, and curriculum-aligned learning outcomes, helping to create well-rounded young people ready to make a positive impact both within Touch Football and their wider communities.
As more schools come on board, TFA is excited to see the Endorsed Schools Program become a driving force in developing future coaches, referees, and ambassadors for the game.
Schools interested in becoming part of this exciting new chapter for Touch Football are encouraged to learn more about the Endorsed Schools Program and join a growing network committed to inspiring the next generation of participants, leaders and lifelong advocates for the sport.
