Queensland Touch Football (QTF) acknowledges the contribution of QTF Game Development Officer Terry McSweeney, who has recently announced his retirement.
Terry is well known in the touch football community throughout Queensland, with his touch career starting in 1979, 8 a side ruby league field kick off, markers, barefoot. A switch of codes saw Terry running around on a rugby league field, returning to touch football once his league career was finished, where he went on to represent South West Queensland as both a player and coach.
His love for the game led Terry to pursue administration and development pathways in the game, joining South West Queensland Touch Association in 2001 as Regional Administrator for 5 years. In 2006, Terry moved into a Development Officer position with Touch Football Australia, then transferred to Queensland Touch in 2008 as the Development Officer for the South West Queensland region.
As a long standing member of the touch football community in Queensland, Terry was a part of the establishment of many events in Queensland such as Junior State Champs, Reg Hart Cup, SWQ Titans Junior Club Challenge and the SWQ Community Cup. His dedication to growing the game saw him assist in establishing new affiliates in South West Queensland, particularly in the Roma, Goondiwindi and Springfield communities.
In 2014, Terry’s contribution to touch football was honoured with Touch Football Australia’s Bill Ker Medal for Continuous and Dedicated Service to Touch Football as an Employee.
Terry had continued in his current role until today. In reflecting on Terry’s career, QTF CEO Greg Denny commented, “As one of the longest serving members of the touch community in Queensland we thank Terry for his contribution. From playing, coaching and officiating, to spending countless hours driving the roads of the South West Queensland delivering sessions, programs, courses, and assisting with competitions and events, Terry has contributed significantly to the growth and development of our great game. As his journey with Queensland Touch Football comes to an end, we thank him sincerely and wish him all the best for the future.”
SWQ President Toni Notley added “Terry has spent many years developing relationships with the volunteers who tirelessly run our affiliates, as well as coaches, referees and players from across the region. In particular we have witnessed his ability to foster a love of the game at the grass roots level. His knowledge of South West Queensland is extensive and he has contributed to the growth and development of affiliates and players alike. SWQ Schools, Affiliates and our Swans representative teams will miss his easy going nature, wit and cheeky personality, and his ability for keeping the fun in the game. We wish Terry all the best in his retirement, and on behalf of the SWQ Board and Affiliates, we thank him for his service and dedication to the sport and South West Queensland.”
ENDS
For further information please contact QTF CEO, Greg Denny on 07 3367 6250.
