Congratulations WILL DOWE !
The NSW Touch Association is proud to award Gunnedah Touch Association’s Junior Coordinator, Will Dowe, as Volunteer of the Month for October 2025
Whether it’s organising school holiday clinics, running junior touch on Monday nights, managing the rep teams, hosting gala days, or coordinating referee and coaching courses, Will Dowe does it all for Gunnedah. His dedication and energy keep our local Touch community thriving, providing opportunities for players of all ages and helping grow the sport in our region.
To share some of Will’s story, we asked him:
- What motivated you to start volunteering with your local Touch Association, and how long have you been involved?
We started playing touch when we moved to Gunnedah back in 2006. I joined the committee around 2010 and spent a couple of years as secretary before starting a family and becoming too busy. I really enjoyed being part of the organisation of the weekly touch competition and learning the ins-and-outs of being a committee member. I rejoined the committee around 7–8 years ago and took on the role of Junior Coordinator. This was a role that I was really motivated about, as we did not have any junior park competitions or rep teams at the time. We now have a player registration of 250 players and 8 rep teams playing in local gala days, Northern Eagles Junior Champs, and NSW Touch Junior State Cup. - What do you enjoy most about volunteering within the Touch Football community?
Our community is full of amazing families with amazing kids. It is immensely rewarding to see families running around together on teams playing park touch, then to see this translate into junior rep players. - Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your time volunteering?
I think receiving my Administrator of the Year award last year. It felt very rewarding to receive recognition for the achievements that me and our club have made in the juniors space. - What do you enjoy or love most about Touch Football?
I love that it is a game that the WHOLE family can play. My son and I have played together in teams, and our club is built around the amazing local families whose kids all play touch. - What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting involved as a volunteer in Touch Football?
BE CAREFUL!! It is so rewarding and addictive!! AND make friends with the amazing NSW Touch staff… they have been so supportive, and we have become a close-knit community thanks to their openness and help
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!