New leadership team announced for Touch Football Australia

Touch Football Australia has announced a new era of leadership, with the appointment of Marcus Ashcroft as Chief Executive and the addition of three new Directors to its Board - Danielle Smith, Sharyn Williams, and Brad Fittler.

These appointments mark a significant milestone for the sport as it continues to grow and strengthen its partnership with the NRL.

Following an extensive and independently managed nationwide recruitment process, Touch Football Australia (TFA) appointed Marcus Ashcroft as its new Chief Executive effective 17th March 2025. The highly competitive search, conducted by Sportspeople Recruitment, attracted over 100 high-calibre applicants from across the country.

Ashcroft, a former AFL premiership-winning player, brings a strong background in sports administration and leadership. He has held senior roles at Gold Coast Football Club as General Manager of Football and most recently served as Chief Executive of Sandringham Football Club, where he led high-performance, operational, and strategic initiatives.

TFA Chair, Christian Frost emphasised the rigorous selection process and highlighted Ashcroft's leadership experience and strategic capabilities as key factors in his appointment.

Frost noted “Marcus is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of high-performance sport and organisational transformation. His experience in leading teams, developing strategy, and driving sustainable growth makes him the ideal person to lead Touch Football into its next phase.”

Ashcroft shared "Touch Football is a dynamic, inclusive sport with an incredible community. I'm excited to work alongside the Board, staff, and participants to build on this momentum and drive the sport's continued success.”

New Board Directors bring Expertise and Fresh Perspectives
TFA has also welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors, strengthening the sport's governance, commercial strategy, and elite sporting connections.

Two of these appointments - Danielle Smith and Sharyn Williams - were selected through a highly competitive, independent recruitment process led by Sportspeople Recruitment, which attracted over 40 applications from accomplished leaders in business, sport, and governance.

Additionally, Brad Fittler joins as an NRL-appointed Director, reinforcing the strategic alignment and growing partnership between TFA and the NRL.

Frost enthused "we are thrilled to welcome Danielle, Sharyn, and Brad to the Board. Their expertise, leadership, and passion for sport will help guide Touch Football's continued growth and success.”

NRL Partnership expands to Drive Growth
TFA's long-standing partnership with the NRL is set to reach new heights, with the NRL committing its largest-ever investment in Touch Football. This expanded collaboration will enhance grassroots development, increase participation, and create greater alignment between the two organisations at all levels.

Newly appointed TFA Board Member, Brad Fittler reinforced the importance of this strengthened partnership adding "Touch Football is a crucial part of the rugby league ecosystem, and we are committed to working with TFA to grow the game. Through increased investment and shared resources, we can drive greater participation and engagement across Australia.”

Further cementing its commitment to the sport, the NRL has publicly backed Touch Football's bid for Olympic inclusion at Brisbane 2032. With NRL Chairman Peter V'landys openly supporting the push for Touch Football to be recognised on the world stage, this moment represents a historic opportunity to elevate the sport globally. The alignment between TFA and the NRL has never been stronger, and this renewed investment and strategic partnership mark a significant milestone for the future of Touch Football.

New Leadership Biographies

Marcus Ashcroft:
Best known for his distinguished AFL playing career, he played 318 games for the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions between 1989 and 2003, becoming the first Queenslander to reach 300 AFL games and playing a pivotal role in the Lions' three consecutive premiership wins in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Beyond his playing career, Ashcroft has built an impressive executive career in sports administration, holding senior leadership roles that have shaped the success of various premier sporting clubs and associations. Most recently as Chief Executive at Sandringham Football Club, he has played a critical role in setting high-level direction and implementing transformation strategies. Ashcroft previously served as the General Manager of Football at the Gold Coast Football Club until 2018, where he was responsible for key strategic planning, high-performance initiatives, and major organisational restructures. With expertise in business management, psychology, coaching, and fitness, he has a track record of successfully managing the sustainable growth of clubs and organisations at a national level. A thoughtful and collaborative leader, Ashcroft is known for his strategic vision, meticulous planning, and passion for developing teams. He has a strong track record of leading long-term organisational strategy, driving performance enhancement programs, and fostering a positive culture of success in sporting environments.

Danielle Smith:
A values-driven leader committed to harnessing the power of sport to strengthen communities and promote inclusivity. As Chief Executive of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), she leads the national peak body, driving growth and enhancing member value for over 10,000 accredited professionals. With more than 25 years of experience across diverse sectors including elite sport, major events, and consulting, Danielle has held key leadership roles including Board Director, CFO and COO at Melbourne Storm.

Notably, as the inaugural Chief Executive of Storm's Super Netball team, the Sunshine Coast Lightning, she fostered a high-performance culture and played a pivotal role in the team's back-to-back premierships and off-court success. Smith is the 2021 QSport Sport Administrator of the Year and received Life Membership from Melbourne Storm in 2022. She serves as a director for Sunshine Coast 2032, an organisation focused on maximising the impact of the 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games to the region. Outside of work, Smith enjoys travel, exercise, community sport, and time with family and friends. She is an AFL Masters player and committee member, and holds GAICD, CA, BCom and BA qualifications.

Sharyn Williams:
A Touch Football Hall of Famer, Williams was a mainstay in the Australian Women's Open team for more than 15 years, earning 63 caps for Australia. She played in four World Cups, five Trans-Tasman Series, and the 2005 All Nations Series, before retiring from the Women's Open team in 2009. She later returned to represent Australia in the Women's 30s team at the 2013 Super Trans-Tasman Series. Off the field, Williams is currently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PWR Advanced Cooling Technology, bringing extensive experience in financial strategy, governance, and operational leadership. Prior to this, she spent eight years as CFO of G8 Education Ltd and nearly a decade at CMI Limited as CFO. With a strong background in corporate finance and governance, Williams' expertise will be invaluable in guiding TFA's strategic growth and sustainability.

Brad Fittler:
A rugby league legend and one of the sport's most decorated figures, Fittler captained both New South Wales and Australia, leading the Kangaroos to two Rugby League World Cup victories in 1995 and 2000. He remains one of the most-capped Australian players of all time and was awarded the Golden Boot in 2000 as the world's best player. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, leading the Sydney Roosters and the NSW Blues, securing three State of Origin series victories. Fittler has also become a respected commentator and television presenter, contributing significantly to the rugby league landscape. Beyond his professional career, Fittler has a deep personal connection to Touch Football, with his own children playing the sport. He has spoken about his love for the game's skill, pace, and inclusivity, seeing firsthand the impact it has on young athletes in developing core abilities that translate across multiple sports. His passion for fostering grassroots participation and player development makes him a strong advocate for the future of Touch Football in Australia.

Image. Touch Football Chief Executive Marcus Ashcroft, Director Kate Jones, Director Brad Fittler