Touch Football Australia (TFA) is proud to announce Paul Cobham as the recipient of the July Teacher of the Month Award through the Teacher Ambassador Program, recognising his outstanding contribution to school sport and the development of Touch Football pathways for young athletes.
A highly respected figure within the Touch Football community, Paul has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for students to thrive both on and off the field. He currently leads the Touch Football Excellence Program at Chancellor State College on the Sunshine Coast and has played a significant role in the sport across Queensland and Australia.
Paul's coaching credentials are extensive, having previously served as the Australian Under-18s and Under-20s Women's Coach and currently holding the role of Queensland Under-18 Girls Head Coach. His influence has helped shape the next generation of players while strengthening connections between school, grassroots, and representative Touch Football.
Beginning his Touch Football journey as a teacher on Bribie Island, Paul quickly recognised the power of sport to engage students, build confidence, and create lifelong opportunities. Over the years, his dedication to school and representative programs has earned him widespread respect from students, colleagues, and the broader Touch Football community.
Reflecting on his coaching journey, Paul identified one milestone that stands above the rest:
“I am very passionate about coaching at school and being involved at grassroots level. Winning our first 18s Girls Queensland All Schools (now known as the Gold Coast Titans All Schools) title in 2015 was definitely a highlight. I am also very fortunate to have been involved in the Queensland Secondary Schools Touch Football program since 2011 and have many amazing memories and moments from these experiences," Cobham said.
Paul's impact extends far beyond premierships and representative honours. Through his leadership, countless students have continued their involvement in Touch Football as players, coaches, and officials, ensuring the sport remains strong for future generations.
Anthony Walker, Head of Department - Health and Physical Education at Chancellor State College, said Paul's influence on the school's program cannot be overstated:
“Paul is a major part of the success of our program here at Chancellor. His passion for Touch and drive to have students enjoy and experience success are second to none. Without his work over the last 17 years, the program would not continue to flourish. The impact is evidenced by the number of ex-students continuing to engage, play, coach, and officiate touch at all levels, not only locally but around the state," Walker said.
Congratulations to Paul on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your continued commitment to developing young people through Touch Football.
