The Touch Football fields are a second home for Robyn Smith, who spends her evenings, weekends, and endless energy working to grow the game from grassroots to representative levels across the ACT.
This month, we’re proud to recognise Robyn Smith as our Volunteer of the Month. Robyn embodies everything that makes our Touch Football community so special, humbly dedicating countless hours to the sport.
Like many others, Robyn’s journey didn’t start on the Touch Football field. A former netball player, she was convinced to try Touch Football in her twenties but stopped for a decade after having children.
“I started playing Touch Football again five years ago after getting some epic FOMO [Fear of Missing Out] watching my eldest daughter playing,” Robyn said.
That decision to jump back in led to incredible milestones on the field. Robyn joined the ACT Women’s 45s team at Nationals, a squad that etched its name in history by becoming the first-ever ACT team to win back-to-back national titles.
The Joy of Giving Back
Robyn eventually found herself coaching juniors across the ACT. But her volunteering role didn’t stop there; eventually managing teams, refereeing, club support, administration, and picking up all the odd jobs that keep the sport running smoothly.
“Volunteering is really about helping people participate in sport, which I’m particularly passionate about, especially keeping younger girls and women in sport,” Robyn said.
What keeps Robyn coming back season after season? It comes down to the impact on young players. Robyn explains:
“It’s such a privilege to coach kids and watch them improve and develop into awesome players and humans. My favourite part is watching someone you coach grow their confidence and ability across a season or campaign.
Nowadays, I get to share the field with some of the kids I have coached, and I find myself feeling so grateful to be on the field with them (not when they run a punish on me though!).”
As Robyn looks toward the future, she envisions a vibrant, competitive future for Touch Football in the Territory, from grassroots juniors all the way through to senior divisions.
“It’s such a dynamic sport and there are so many great opportunities for kids, with less of the injuries that come with full-contact sports,” Robyn said.
Robyn volunteers her time with Magic Touch Football in the ACT. Source: Supplied.
Inspired to get involved?
To anyone considering stepping up as a volunteer, coach, or referee, Robyn’s advice is simple:
“Sport has an incredible way of shaping young people, and there are countless opportunities to play a small part in that journey. There are tough days, of course, but the rewarding moments far outweigh them. Seeing kids grow in confidence, develop friendships, and simply love the game makes it all worthwhile.”
Thank you, Robyn, for your tireless dedication, passion, and immense contribution to our sport!
To recognise volunteers from your community, please click here.
Discover more inspiring stories from previous volunteers of the month here.
