Touch Football Australia (TFA) and the Australian Defence Force Touch Association (ADFTA) have reaffirmed their long-standing relationship through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), strengthening their commitment to growing and developing Touch Football across the Australian Defence Force community.
The agreement, which will remain in place through to 30 June 2029, provides a national framework for collaboration between the two organisations across participation, education, events, representative pathways, and promotion of the sport of Touch Football.
TFA Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Ashcroft, said:
"The ADF has a proud and important place within the Touch Football community, and this agreement provides a strong foundation to build on that contribution into the future.
"We value the commitment of ADFTA to our sport and look forward to working together to create greater connections between the Defence community and Touch Football nationally, while supporting the continued growth and profile of the sport across Australia."
The partnership recognises the important role ADFTA plays in delivering Touch Football to Defence personnel across Australia, with both organisations working together to raise the profile of Touch Football within the Defence community and recognise the Defence Force's contribution to the sport nationally.
Under the MOU, TFA and ADFTA will work together to:
- Grow participation opportunities for Australian Defence Force personnel through on-base competitions and representative events.
- Strengthen coaching, officiating, and education opportunities through access to TFA's nationally recognised development frameworks and learning resources.
- Enhance representative pathways for Defence personnel, including selection of an Australian representative ADFTA side, while increasing awareness of opportunities to participate in State and national events and be considered for selection in the Australian Emus.
- Collaborate on the delivery and promotion of national events and initiatives, including calendar alignment and personnel support, to support the continued growth of Touch Football within the Defence community.
TFA General Manager, Growth & Innovation, James Sharp, said:
"This partnership is about more than on-base participation, it is about ensuring those who serve our country can develop throughout our pathways as players, coaches and officials.
“Emu #240 Drew Price is a perfect example of what is possible, an Army Reservist representing Australia in the Mixed Opens division most recently at the Asia Pacific Opens event in Mudgee. We are excited to see our sport go from strength to strength within the ADF."
As part of the agreement, ADFTA will also utilise MySideline for registration for on-base competitions and representative events, aligning with TFA to support national participation initiatives and helping capture the contribution of Defence personnel to the sport nationally. TFA will also support the growth and development of the sport within the Australian Defence Force community, extending fee exemptions to participants for on-base competitions, as well as access to relevant TFA programs.
Army Reservist Infantryman and Emu #240, Lance Corporal (LCPL) Drew Price, said:
“Whether we're representing Defence as military members, or Australia on the Touch Football field, we learn the importance of sacrifice, resilience, respect, and putting the team before ourselves.
“Through playing Touch Football, Defence personnel are able to pursue excellence, build lifelong connections, and represent something greater than themselves. Those experiences stay with you long after the final whistle and make us stronger both on the field and in uniform.”
The partnership also places a strong emphasis on increasing access to learning and development opportunities for Defence members regardless of location, including online education options for coaches, referees, and facilitators who may be geographically dispersed or deployed. TFA will also provide support on the ground, with available Australian coaches, referees, or facilitators to attend the Australian Defence Force National Championships, building further capability and enhancing the event experience.
ADFTA President, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Sheena Stapleton, said:
“Our relationship with TFA creates outstanding opportunities for ADF members to develop as athletes, referees, coaches, managers, leaders, and teammates. Touch Football reflects many of the qualities that underpin military service, including respect, integrity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.
“Our close relationship with TFA enables Defence members to challenge themselves, build their skills and leadership capabilities, and contribute to the sport in a variety of roles. Importantly, it provides pathways for our members to represent Defence and compete alongside the nation's best, fostering personal growth, professional development, and a strong sense of service and pride."
The renewed partnership builds on a strong relationship between TFA and ADFTA and provides a foundation for continued collaboration as both organisations work together to grow the sport within the Australian Defence Force community.
