Touch Football Australia (TFA) has today announced a series of appointments and team changes across the organisation, celebrating new appointments, internal promotions, and team changes as its structure continues to evolve. The latest changes include several roles impacting the participation space as TFA aims to provide stronger, direct support for its communities, while also farewelling valued team members who move on to new opportunities.
Tyson Blanco - Club & Competition Development Coordinator, Victoria
Following his time supporting Touch Football in the Northern Territory as State Manager, Tyson Blanco has commenced in the role of Club & Competition Development Coordinator in Victoria.
Tyson has made a valuable contribution to the sport in the Northern Territory, including securing regional grants supporting Touch Football in the Barkly and MacDonnell regions.
Based in Melbourne from the week commencing 24 August, Tyson will work with the Touch Football Victoria team to support competitions and help strengthen opportunities for participation across the Alliance state.
Ellen Macleod - National Community Officiating Coordinator
Ellen Macleod has been appointed as TFA's National Community Officiating Coordinator, commencing 24 August.
Ellen has been involved with the sport since 2019, coming through the grassroots at Norths Touch before progressing through the officiating pathway to become a National Badge referee, part of the National Youth Referee Squad, the NSW Elite Referee Squad, and the Sydney Scorpions referee sub-committee.
She brings extensive experience in both officiating and community sport, alongside her current role with TFA as National Sporting Schools Coordinator, administering the Sporting Schools program across Australia in partnership with the Australian Sports Commission.
Her appointment represents another important step in TFA’s commitment to developing strong officiating pathways from the grassroots through to the national level.
Phoebe Hodges - National Sporting Schools Coordinator (interim)
With Ellen moving into her new officiating role, Phoebe Hodges has stepped into the National Sporting Schools Coordinator position in an interim, part-time capacity, effective immediately.
Phoebe has been involved in delivering the Sporting Schools program in the community as a Field Officer and brings strong knowledge of the program and its delivery on the ground.
Alongside her existing role as a Customer Service Officer, Phoebe will support the continued delivery and development of Sporting Schools while continuing to grow her experience and contribution within TFA.
Emily Robinson - Growth Manager, ACT & Southern NSW
As previously announced, Emily Robinson has commenced with TFA as Growth Manager, ACT & Southern NSW, effective 17 August, based in Canberra.
Emily brings more than a decade of experience across community sport and participation growth, most recently leading sport operations at Radford College, following roles with the Illawarra Academy of Sport and Netball NSW, where she delivered participation programs and supported athlete and coach pathways.
Emily also brings a strong connection to Touch Football, having been involved in the sport as both a player and volunteer for many years. 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.
Emily will lead the operational delivery of Touch Football across the ACT and Southern NSW, driving participation, building affiliate capability, and supporting sustainable competitions in line with The Next Play. This position is also a significant milestone for the sport, with the role co-funded with NSW Touch Football to provide greater cross-border support across the region.
Philip Phan - Media & Communications Manager (departing)
After three years with TFA, Philip Phan, Media & Communications Manager, will depart the organisation to take up a new role in the NSW public sector.
During his time with Touch Football, Phil has been a much-respected and key part of TFA's Commercial team, spearheading its communications space with integrity and professionalism. His contributions have spanned the breadth of TFA's marketing and commercial objectives, leading stakeholder engagement initiatives and management of digital communications platforms.
Phil’s final day with TFA will be 11 September, and TFA thanks him for his positive impact and contributions at every level of the game, from the Board through to its participants.
Tracey Carrington - Event & Competitions Coordinator, Western Australia (departing)
Tracey Carrington will depart the Touch Football Western Australia team to continue her journey in the sporting industry with VenuesWest, the Western Australian Government organisation responsible for the state’s major sporting venues.
During her seven months with TFA, Tracey made a significant impact on the delivery of events and competitions in Western Australia, including introducing new processes to support the efficient operations of events such as the Senior State Championships.
Tracey’s final day with TFA will be 21 August, and TFA thanks her for her valued contribution to the sport.
These appointments and movements reflect a period of change and growth for the organisation, and TFA would like to congratulate Tyson, Ellen, Phoebe, and Emily on their new roles, and thank Phil and Tracey for their contribution to the sport, wishing them all the best for their next chapters.
