Runcorn State High School's Touch Football Excellence Academy is one of Australia's most respected school touch football programs. Established in 1986, the academy has a proud history of developing athletes, coaches and referees through a structured high-performance pathway.
As one of only a handful of school programs endorsed by Touch Football Australia, our academy provides students with access to expert coaching, elite competition opportunities and nationally recognised development pathways.
Students are supported to reach their potential both on and off the field through a culture built on our four academy pillars:
- Resilience
- Positivity
- Leadership
- Encouragement
Our program develops the whole athlete while fostering a lifelong passion for touch football and sport.
Highlights of our Touch Football Excellence Academy
- Touch Football Australia endorsed program
- Established in 1986 with a long history of success
- Timetabled touch football curriculum across all year levels
- High-performance coaching from nationally and internationally recognised coaches
- Player profiling and individual development plans
- Specialist position-specific coaching
- Team attack and defensive systems training
- Sports nutrition, recovery and injury prevention education
- Coaching and refereeing accreditation opportunities
- Strength and conditioning development tailored to age and experience
- Access to representative pathways through elite club affiliations
- Opportunities to compete against some of Queensland's strongest school programs
How to apply
IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT RUNCORN SHS STUDENT: Submit an online Horizons Program Expression of Interest and email through the appropriate supporting documentation where necessary.
External link
Our Coaching Staff
Elite Pathways
The Runcorn State High School Touch Football Excellence Academy has developed strong pathways from primary school through to elite representative touch football.
Our academy works closely with local primary schools to develop young athletes and provide a clear transition into our high school program.
University of Queensland Rebels
Our partnership with the University of Queensland Rebels Touch Club provides students with access to one of Australia's most successful touch football organisations.
Through this affiliation, students may have opportunities to:
- Attend UQ Rebels junior development camps
- Learn from elite coaches and players
- Trial for representative teams
- Progress towards Junior State Cup and other elite competitions
Touch Football Australia Endorsement
Runcorn State High School is proud to be one of only a small number of schools nationally endorsed by Touch Football Australia, recognising the quality and structure of our program.
Competition Opportunities
Students have opportunities to represent Runcorn State High School in a wide range of competitions throughout the year, including:
- Karawatha District Touch Gala Day
- Metropolitan Finals Touch Competition
- Brisbane Secondary All Schools Touch Competition
- Eastern Taipans District Touch Trials
- Metropolitan West Touch Trials
- Gold Coast Titans Queensland All Schools Touch Competition
- Development games against other schools
Students may also pursue representative opportunities through affiliated clubs and representative pathways.
Community Engagement
Our academy takes pride in supporting the growth of touch football within the local community.
Each year we organise and support:
- Sunnybank District Primary School Touch Gala Days
- Runcorn State High School Touch Academy Blues Cup Primary School Touch Competition
These events provide valuable opportunities for young players to experience competitive touch football while strengthening connections with local schools.
Photo courtesy of Touch Football Australia
Touch Football Academy Alumni
Our academy has produced numerous athletes who have progressed to representative, national and international competition.
Damon Van Der Woude (Class of 2023)
Damon has represented the University of Queensland Rebels in Metro Cup Division 1 and competed in The Championships in the Open Men's division. He was selected in the Australian Under 20 Men's squad for the Touch World Cup before representing the Philippines Mixed Open team. Damon was named among the starting six players at the 2024 Touch World Cup and has since represented the Philippines at both the Asia Pacific Touch Championships and international open competition.
Nickolas Streader (Class of 2023)
Nickolas was selected in the Queensland Schoolboys Under 18 Touch Team and has continued to represent the University of Queensland Rebels in both Metro Cup and Championship competitions.
Jackson Streader (Class of 2023)
Jackson represented Queensland Under 20 Men in 2025 and has become a regular member of the UQ Rebels men's program. He was also selected in the Australian Under 20 Men's squad for the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup.
Jesse Green
Jesse has represented Queensland and Australia across multiple age groups and has competed extensively in National Touch League, Metro Cup and The Championships.
Cody Green
Cody has represented Australia in the Men's Open division and Queensland across numerous age groups. He has also competed at National Touch League and Metro Cup level.
Will Briston (Class of 2010)
Will has represented Queensland and competed in National Touch League competitions following his graduation from Runcorn State High School.
Janika Utia (Class of 2021)
Janika has competed in elite touch football competitions including Metro Cup and National Touch League. She continues to contribute to the sport through coaching, refereeing and club administration.
Photo courtesy of the Courier-Mail.
How to apply
IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT RUNCORN SHS STUDENT: Submit an online Horizons Program Expression of Interest and email through the appropriate supporting documentation where necessary.
Contact Us
For more information on our touch football excellence academy email touchacademy@runcornshs.eq.edu.au.