BanterM8s - Community touch football inititive

BanterM8s is a Beyond The Banter initiative designed to strengthen men’s connection through touch football.

We support the formation of new teams across the Gold Coast, Logan and Sydney regions, providing structure, identity and a positive culture from day one.

This isn’t about turning sport into therapy. It’s about building environments where mateship is normal, showing up matters, and checking in happens naturally.

Where We Operate

For the current season, Beyond The Banter will support:

• 5 BanterM8s teams in the Gold Coast / Logan region
• 5 BanterM8s teams in the Sydney region 

Only one BanterM8s team per competition will be approved to maintain impact and integrity.

All applications are subject to approval and annual funding allocation.

Forming a BanterM8s Team

To apply, teams must have:

• Minimum 8 committed registered players 
• A nominated team captain 
• Commitment to complete the full season 
• Agreement to uphold respectful, supportive team      standards 

Eight players ensures proper interchange, covers illness or work commitments, and reduces pressure on individuals.

Uniforms are ordered only once team registration is confirmed.

What Supported Teams Receive

Approved BanterM8s teams receive:

• Official BanterM8s branded uniforms 
• Financial assistance toward uniform costs 
• A private team Facebook group 
• One Beyond The Banter admin allocated to the group 
• The nominated team captain appointed as co-admin 
• Access to resources, events and Beyond The Banter initiatives 

Standard playing numbers are allocated. Custom numbers can be arranged at additional cost through the supplier.

More Than a Season

BanterM8s Championship Weekend

Once sufficient teams are established in NSW and QLD, the season will culminate in an annual Championship Weekend.

This is where connection meets competition.

Saturday – Regional Championships

• NSW BanterM8s teams compete in pool matches 
• QLD BanterM8s teams compete in pool matches 
• Shortened round matches 
• Regional finals and grand finals 
• All teams participate across the day 

Sunday – Showcase Matches

• NSW Regional Final – full-length match 
• QLD Regional Final – full-length match 

Followed by the headline event:

Banter State of Origin

NSW vs QLD

The winning regional teams face off in a full-length State of Origin match.

The Championship Weekend will rotate annually between Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Why BanterM8s?

Because men often connect shoulder to shoulder before they ever talk face to face.

Touch footy gives:

• Weekly routine 
• Built-in accountability 
• Shared wins and losses 
• A reason to show up 

Connection doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be consistent.

Business Co-Sponsors Welcome

Local businesses can help expand the BanterM8s initiative.

Every additional $400 contribution allows another team of 8 to 12 men to form and compete.

Co-sponsors receive:

• Logo placement on uniforms where applicable 
• Social media acknowledgement 
• Inclusion in Championship Weekend exposure 
• Alignment with grassroots men’s mental health in      their region 

If you’re a business wanting to make practical impact in your local community, we’d love to connect.

Apply or Partner

Whether you’re:

• A group of mates ready to form a team 
• An individual wanting to help build one 
• A business interested in supporting the initiative 

Get in touch and be part of BanterM8s.