Federation of International Touch

FIT APPAREL TENDER 2025-2028 THE OPPORTUNITY Apparel supply to FIT events and activities, as well as FIT Staff, Volunteers and Referees. FIT Established Events The FIT Apparel Partner will be expected to supply a range of merchandise and apparel for event staff and volunteers for the following existing events: ● 2025 and 2027 Asia Pacific Youth Cups ● 2025 and 2027 Atlantic Youth Cups ● 2026 European Championships ● 2026 and 2028 European Junior Championships ● 2028 Touch World Cup New events and opportunities ● 2025 European Open’s Cup ● 2025 European Senior’s Cup ● 2025 and 2027 Asia Cup ● 2026 Asia Pacific Cup FIT Workforce - The product range is expected to include, but is not limited to, shorts / track bottoms; tees / polo shirts and hoodies / quarter zips / rain jackets, as well as accessories. ● FIT General Staff & Volunteers ● FIT Officials / Referees Supporters, parents, and the wider touch community. FIT Marketing Channels ● Facebook – 24,000 followers ● YouTube – 14,600 subscribers ● Instagram – 7,500 followers ● Direct member communications - 60+ FIT members ● Direct promotion at events ● YouTube – 2024 Touch World Cup - 1.8 million YOUR PROPOSAL We are seeking a partner who can provide a timely and cost-effective service. Your proposal should include your approach to the following: ● Product range and pricing structure for the Merchandise offer at FIT Events. ● Product range and pricing structure for FIT Staff, Volunteers and Referees. ● A wider online presence for supporters, including proposals for bespoke versus stock product lines, minimum order quantities and lead times. ● How you would differentiate between different audiences. ● How you would add value to our workforce and the team of volunteers. ● Your plans to engage the wider touch community. ● What FOC Apparel that FIT could expect as part of your offer. ● How you approach account / customer management and ensure a high level of customer service. ● What your approach is to sustainability and the wider impact on the environment. ● What processes and plans you would have for stock ordering, payment, distribution, and storage, including details of any delivery or other charges. ● What your plans are for e-commerce and operations of any on-line kit shop. ● What your plans are for e-commerce and operations of merchandise at events. ● How you intend to develop a long-term partnership with FIT built on trust and reliability. ● What your organisation’s current financial position is. ● Any other proposed commercial arrangements or added value you could offer FIT. OUR TIMELINE ● Tender questions submitted by Sunday 5th January 2025 ● Tender response due by midnight (GMT), Sunday 12th January 2025. Subject to the quality and quantity of tender proposals, we hope to conclude the process by the end January 2025. If you have any questions with regards this tender opportunity, please contact Chris Simon on chris.simon@internationaltouch.org.

Federation of International Touch (FIT) International Events Calendar 2025 - 2028   In an exciting development for the global Touch community, the Federation of International Touch (FIT) is thrilled to announce the international FIT event calendar featuring a series of prestigious tournaments leading up to the highly anticipated Touch World Cup in New Zealand, in late 2028. This calendar marks a significant milestone in the global promotion of touch and aims to engage fans, players, and stakeholders in an unforgettable journey towards the prized World Cup.   FIT Board Director, Michael Abromowitz, who was recently appointed to the Events team commented, “It has been fantastic to see the growth of the game across the globe and the increased interest in our sport from new countries joining FIT over the last few years.”   In 2024 alone, FIT welcomed new member nations Oman, Indonesia, Thailand, Tonga, Iran, and Ukraine. These developing nations aim to participate in regional events to provide their players, coaches, and referees with more opportunities to grow with the sport.   Starting in 2025, a series of tournaments will be held throughout different regions across our growing international touch community, from well established competitions in Oceania and Europe, to emerging tournaments across Asia. Youth events will also be held to give our young up and coming touch football stars the opportunity to shine on the main stage. Here’s a look at some key tournaments over the next few seasons: The culmination of our tournament series will be the Touch World Cup, hosted in New Zealand. As one of the original founding members of the sport, New Zealand is the perfect setting for this prestigious event, which will feature the best teams from around the globe competing for the ultimate title. The Touch World Cup will not only be a showcase of athletic excellence but also a celebration of culture, community, and sportsmanship. Abromowitz continues, “We are really happy that we are now able to provide Members with a defined 4 year FIT Events calendar, around which they can plan their regional and national tournaments and development.”   Get Involved   We invite players, coaches, fans, and sponsors to engage with their National Touch Organisations (NTOs) to be a part of these exciting events! FIT is committed to fostering the growth of touch on a global scale. We believe these events will inspire athletes, engage communities, and elevate the profile of touch as we look forward to an incredible journey toward New Zealand in 2028.   For media inquiries, please contact:   Chris Simon chris.simon@internationaltouch.org www.internationaltouch.org Federation of International Touch (FIT) 24 November 2024  

Chris Simon Appointed as Chief Operations Officer for Federation of International Touch (FIT) The Federation of International Touch (FIT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Chris Simon as its first-ever Chief Operations Officer (COO). This new role represents a major step forward for the global development of Touch Football and solidifies FIT’s commitment to the growth of the sport. Chris joins FIT after an immensely successful tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of England Touch, where he has led the organisation through a transformative five years. His leadership was instrumental in overseeing the largest Touch World Cup in history earlier this summer, which brought together 187 teams from 39 nations, over 10,000 spectators, 200+ volunteers, and 193 referees in Nottingham, UK. In his new role as COO, Chris will play a critical part in shaping the strategic direction of FIT and the sport of Touch Football globally. With the support of over 60 member nations, his focus will be on unifying the sport across regions and creating pathways for further growth and international collaboration. Chris will officially assume his new position with FIT on December 1, 2024, while also assisting England Touch during their transition to appoint a new CEO. Chris will continue to be based in England and will collaborate remotely with FIT members from across the world. Peter Topp, Chair of the Federation of International Touch, said: "Chris’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Touch Football globally. With over 60 member nations and increasing grassroots participation, a major restructure of the International calendar of events, coupled with hopes of inclusion in the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Chris is poised to shape the future of our sport in a way that unites and strengthens our international community." Chris Simon also brings extensive experience in sports marketing and event management, as the owner and director of Perfect Motion Sports Marketing. His ability to deliver large-scale, high-quality events makes him a perfect fit for the new COO role, ensuring FIT continues to lead on the international stage. Reflecting on his appointment, Chris said: "I am incredibly excited to take on the role of COO at FIT. Having been part of the Touch community for many years, I have seen the sport grow, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success on a global level. I look forward to working closely with our member nations to drive innovation, expand participation, and develop a clear vision for the future of Touch Football." With Chris Simon’s appointment, FIT is poised to enter a new era of growth, community engagement, and international success.

Chris Simon Appointed as Chief Operations Officer for Federation of International Touch (FIT) The Federation of International Touch (FIT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Chris Simon as its first-ever Chief Operations Officer (COO). This new role represents a major step forward for the global development of Touch Football and solidifies FIT’s commitment to the growth of the sport. Chris joins FIT after an immensely successful tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of England Touch, where he has led the organisation through a transformative five years. His leadership was instrumental in overseeing the largest Touch World Cup in history earlier this summer, which brought together 187 teams from 39 nations, over 10,000 spectators, 200+ volunteers, and 193 referees in Nottingham, UK. In his new role as COO, Chris will play a critical part in shaping the strategic direction of FIT and the sport of Touch Football globally. With the support of over 60 member nations, his focus will be on unifying the sport across regions and creating pathways for further growth and international collaboration. Chris will officially assume his new position with FIT on December 1, 2024, while also assisting England Touch during their transition to appoint a new CEO. Chris will continue to be based in England and will collaborate remotely with FIT members from across the world. Peter Topp, Chair of the Federation of International Touch, said: "Chris’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Touch Football globally. With over 60 member nations and increasing grassroots participation, a major restructure of the International calendar of events, coupled with hopes of inclusion in the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Chris is poised to shape the future of our sport in a way that unites and strengthens our international community." Chris Simon also brings extensive experience in sports marketing and event management, as the owner and director of Perfect Motion Sports Marketing. His ability to deliver large-scale, high-quality events makes him a perfect fit for the new COO role, ensuring FIT continues to lead on the international stage. Reflecting on his appointment, Chris said: "I am incredibly excited to take on the role of COO at FIT. Having been part of the Touch community for many years, I have seen the sport grow, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success on a global level. I look forward to working closely with our member nations to drive innovation, expand participation, and develop a clear vision for the future of Touch Football." With Chris Simon’s appointment, FIT is poised to enter a new era of growth, community engagement, and international success.

2024 Touch World Cup – Bringing benefit to Nottingham The 2024 Touch World Cup is the ultimate celebration of Touch Football, showcasing the sport's incredible growth and global appeal! 🌍🏉 Held every four years, this pinnacle event was hosted for the first time in Nottingham, England, and it delivered an unforgettable experience. 🏟 Event Overview: Date & Location: July 2024, University of Nottingham Participants: 4,000 players, 187 teams from 39 nations Matches: 1,100 matches across 13 categories in Open and Senior divisions Economic Impact: £10 million benefit to the Nottingham community 👥 Opening Ceremony: Host: King's Representative, Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Veronica Pickering Notable Attendees: University of Nottingham: Dan Tilley, Paul Greatrix, Jo Simpson, Christine Bailey Visit Nottingham/Nottinghamshire: Iain Blatherwick, Megan Powell Vreeswijk Nottingham Conferences: Melissa Sobo, Corinne Cassidy 🎉 Venue: Highfields Sports Complex & Riverside Sports Complex History of hosting successful international Touch tournaments 🌟 Highlights: Record Participation: 187 teams, with strong representation from Australia, England, Fiji, France, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, and Wales. 39 FIT Member nations attending Female Participation: Increased to 31%, with a new Women’s 40’s division Global Referee Representation: 193 referees from 19 countries, including 42 female referees Attendance: Finals day drew an impressive crowd of 10,000 spectators, with a significant online audience tuning in through the FIT YouTube channel and social media platforms. The event generated 1.7 million impressions, 35,200 hours of watch time, and 280,000 views, showcasing the global reach and success of Touch as a sport. Winners: Australia were the big winners, taking home 12 of 13 Division titles, including the coveted Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Open divisions in tight matches. 💬 FIT Chair, Peter Topp: “With all continents represented, an increase in team numbers, playing divisions, female representation, and referees, as well as 250+ volunteers managing 1,100 matches, the event brought considerable challenges and proved to be a great spectacle. I acknowledge the role of the host nation, England Touch, in making the event come to life; all those involved should be commended. We now look forward to building on this experience to make the 2028 Touch World Cup something special.” 🌍 Sponsors: Energy Research Accelerator & HyDEX: Supporting zero emissions Hydrogen Power solutions Mapei: Leading chemical product manufacturer for the building industry. Vermeer: Innovators in niche market products 🎓 University of Nottingham: Overall host, providing accommodation, hospitality, and sports venues. Nottingham University provided the ideal backdrop for this historic event and the players enjoyed a fantastic Touch playing environment through this partnership. 🙌 #TouchWorldCup2024 #TouchRugby #Nottingham #GlobalSport #WomenInSport

Federation of International Touch (FIT) Chief Operating Officer FIT is seeking applications from suitably qualified individuals for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). If you are a seasoned leader with a passion for sports administration, a knack for strategic planning, and are looking for a challenge, the role of COO might be for you. As the COO, you will be at the forefront of the daily operations and administration of FIT, playing a pivotal role in the organization's success. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of duties, including event management, relationship building, and financial oversight. With your expertise, you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of international touch events, ensuring they run seamlessly while staying within budgetary constraints. Your ability to cultivate relationships with stakeholders will be paramount as you identify collaborative opportunities and foster an environment of trust and respect. If you possess a strong commitment to excellence, integrity, and strategic leadership, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact on the Federation. You will need to have a proven track record in board management and strategic leadership, with experience in delivering outcomes consistent with organisational goals. Your ability to lead teams and work collaboratively with board members will be essential, as you navigate the complexities of international sports governance. You will need exceptional communication and negotiation skills and thrive in fast-paced environments. The position will involve problem-solving and innovation, to ensure FIT remains at the forefront of touch on the global stage. If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the growth and success of international touch, apply now to become FIT's Chief Operations Officer at the email below. For the full role description and further information, contact FIT at info@internationaltouch.org