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President's update - October 2022

Updated: Mar 30, 2023

It’s been a huge couple of months in the world of touch and specifically in the Brisbane region. Tries have been scored, games have been won, championships determined and lots of opportunities for players, referees and coaches to continue to foster a love of touch.


From a strategic perspective the Board is continuing to monitor a number of key deliverables including :-

· Review of the management agreement with QTF

· Review of the constitution

· Coach development and referee panel development

· Communications with affiliates and members


Key highlights from the past quarter include:-

✔️ Appointment of the NTL Coaching Panel

✔️ BTF Constitution Review and re-draft

✔️ BTF Affiliate Fee increase review


BTF either has delivered or supported the delivery of the following events:-

1. Brisbane Secondary All Schools

2. DoorDash National Youth Championships

3. Gold Coast Titans All Schools

4. Brisbane Primary All schools


Moving to the playing field we acknowledge some fantastic achievements and results from NYC.


2021 was the first time that Brisbane Touch Football became the Overall Champions at NYC and following significant levels of interest was again able to field number of teams at this premier youth touch football event.


We are extremely pleased to report that Brisbane Cobras successfully defended their Championship title, and we were once again crowned winners of the Champion Entity (Region).


Such successes are not possible without the input and contribution of you, our members. We are especially pleased to report the growth in participation at this level of players, coaches and referees representing a range of different affiliates. The support provided at an affiliate level is instrumental to the outcomes achieved. We especially thank our volunteer coaches for ably developing and mentoring our players and our Affiliate Services Manager, Stephen Swan for facilitating our involvement in this event.


To the referees that represented us. Congratulations. We all know that officials are the cornerstone to sport and without you, there simply wouldn’t be sport. Brisbane Touch Football had 5 of the top 6 Referees at the event. Special mention to the below.


Zoe Genrich Leading Female Referee of the Tournament

Ella Grant Leading Junior Female Referee of the Tournament


You can view all the results below:-


We now change our focus towards the 2023 Inferno National Touch League and we can’t wait to see how we as a Entity perform this year. Following ratification from the Board the NTL Coaching panel were appointed and recommendations from the panel have been tabled. Successful applicants were notified over the last week. We congratulate and thank all that applied.


As advertised, trials for NTL are scheduled for 13 November, please find link to more information. 2023 Brisbane Cobras NTL Player Information and link to EOI.


There has been a significant change made to the player expression of interest. Players will be asked to trial for their region and thus team allocation and selection made based on the best interests of the region. This includes consideration of levels of interest within each nominated age group and player skill set. This is a different approach being adopted by Brisbane Touch Football although it is consistent with other regions. As with any new policy change a review will take place following implementation.


From a tour management perspective another change for Brisbane Touch involvement in NTL 2023 is that Managers, working in conjunction with the coaching team, will need to source accommodation for their team. This was due to the inability to book our previous years accommodation @Breakfree Aanuka Resort and Opal Cove was unavailable as well. From previous years feedback and be below standard we made the decision to not go back to the Big Windmill Corporate and Family Motel. We are currently look at avenues to try and lock in some accommodation for the 2024 NTL in Coffs Harbour.

Many of you will have heard that TFA are exploring alternate models for member participation in this National event. No formal proposal has been tabled. We will keep you apprised of developments in this space.


Over the coming weeks the President will be undertaking a road tour to visit with the different affiliates seeking advice and feedback on 2023 priorities for the region. Thus far the following themes have consistently arisen:-


Access to field space

Athlete development

Referee development and pathways

Relationships with schools and marketing

Networking/mentoring opportunities


Above all the key message was about communication and connection.


That’s our current commitment, to keep in touch.


If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Stephen.Swan@qldtouch.com.au


Signing out



Melissa Lonergan President – Brisbane Touch Football **On behalf of the board**

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