Congratulations Victor Baptista!
NSWTA are proud to award Western Suburbs Touch Association’s very own, Victor Baptista, as Volunteer of the Month for January 2026.
“Victor works tirelessly on behalf of the referee contingent across the state, he regularly promotes the interests of others to his own detriment. Over the last 15 years he has built one of the largest referee teams in the state with an impressive culture. His advocacy and leadership within the referee contingent is widely recognised and he has been responsible for a large percentage of referees proceeding through the TRYs program and in to further high performance programs, including the youth elite squad, the opens elite squad, the National Referee Squad, Stage of Origin and World Cup campaigns.”
To share some of Victor’s story, we asked him:
- What motivated you to start volunteering with your local Touch Association, and how long have you been involved?
I was motivated to volunteer because of the strong sense of community within Touch Football. Having been involved in the game for many years as a player firstly and but more prominently as a referee, volunteering felt like a natural way to give back to a sport and community that had given me so much. I have now been involved with Touch for 26 years with a large part of that served with Western Suburbs Touch Association and continue to volunteer because of the positive impact it has not only for my affiliate but for the METS region as well.
2. What do you enjoy most about volunteering within the Touch Football community?
3. Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your time volunteering?
It’s hard to narrow it down, but some of the most memorable moments for me have come from starting a batch of younger referees — helping them get to courses, coaching, supporting, driving to various tournaments, and then watching them grow in confidence and work towards their goals. Being able to play a small part in that journey has very meaningful. But what is surreal is now watching this same crew all grown up and now coaching and mentoring the next generation (Including my son) and continuing to not only maintain but to build on this positive culture. That is worth more than anything.
4. What do you enjoy or love most about Touch Football?
What I love most about Touch Football is how it builds genuine connections and lifelong mateships.
5. What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting involved as a volunteer in Touch Football?
If you’re unsure about volunteering, my advice would be to give it a try. It’s a really rewarding way to give back to the Touch community, meet good people, and be involved in something positive. You don’t need to know everything — just be willing to help out and get involved. And feel free to blow a whistle now and then HAHA.
Every Touch Football club has those legends who just… make things happen. The ones who set alarms earlier than the sun to mark fields, fire up the BBQ without being asked, organise teams, support our referees, or jump in wherever help is needed. They’re the heartbeat of our affiliates, and our game wouldn’t run without them.
NSW Touch wants to celebrate those everyday heroes.
Each month, we’ll highlight one amazing volunteer who has gone above and beyond for their club. There are so many brilliant people out there, so help us find them!
Nominate someone who:
Gives their time freely Makes a difference around the club Always shows up with heart and a helping hand
Monthly winners will receive:
• A $100 Visa gift card
• A shout-out across NSW Touch social media
Let’s celebrate the good humans who keep our game strong. Nominate your local legend today!