England Touch CEO Chris Simon accepts new role with FIT

After leading England Touch through a transformative five years and spearheading the successful delivery of the largest ever Touch World Cup earlier this summer, Chief Executive Officer, Chris Simon, has been appointed as the first Chief Operating Officer of the Federation of International Touch (FIT).

Simon will be joining FIT from 1 December 2024 but will continue to assist England Touch during a period of transition as the organisation looks to appoint a new CEO.

Under Simon’s leadership, England Touch has gone from strength to strength, with more individual and club members than ever before; having more clubs and teams enter the National Touch Series; expanding the paid workforce and restructuring the organisation; successfully navigate the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic; having Touch be accepted into the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) programme; and - most significantly - receive formal recognition as a National Governing Body for Touch Rugby by Sport England.

England Touch Chair, Tim Loveridge thanked Simon for all he had done for Touch in England and congratulated him on his appointment with FIT.

“On behalf of the board and wider team at England Touch, I would like to thank Chris for all he has done and achieved during his five years as CEO,” he commented. “I know how much he has put into getting the organisation and the wider sport of Touch to where it is now. 

“This was none more so than during the recent Touch World Cup. The work put in by Chris and the team helped us to achieve some outstanding results, both on and off the field. 

“This will help enable us to continue to invest in the growth and development of the game, something all of us are keen to do as part of the impact of hosting the event.

“Massive congratulations on his new role at FIT, and I know that he will have a massive and positive impact on the global game.”

Commenting on the move from England Touch to FIT, Simon said: “I have had an extremely enjoyable period with England Touch and would like to thank everyone across the workforce, membership and wider sport for their support over the last five years. Together, we have built a solid base from which the organisation and wider game of Touch can continue to grow and develop.

“But having delivered the largest Touch World Cup in history, the time feels right for me to move on and the opportunity to influence the growth and development of the sport globally is really exciting. I have no doubt I will continue to be involved in the game of Touch in England and that England Touch will play a significant role in the future direction and structure of the sport as we embark on the next World Cup cycle.”

Chris’s move to FIT comes at an exciting time for Touch globally with growth in the sport at an all-time high.

FIT Chair, Peter Topp added: "Chris’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Touch Football globally. With 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."

The search for England Touch’s next CEO will begin immediately with the organisation keen to maximise the period of handover. Applications are being sought from those within and outside of the sport, and while the core part of the role is deemed to be part-time, there is the opportunity to combine it with other activity both inside and outside of the sport.

Loveridge added: “We need to ensure that we continue the good work that has been started. We have a great team of paid staff and volunteers, and I have welcomed Chris’s input into ensuring that we have continuity in our operations, whilst ensuring we keep moving forwards. 

“The World Cup presents us with a fantastic opportunity to really grow and develop the game of Touch in England and it is something the board wants to make sure we make the most of.”

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact chair@englandtouch.org.uk.

For details of the job specification and how to apply please CLICK HERE.