In 1997 having broken through to the Manly Dolphins senior team, then playing in the NSW Second Division, he was signed by Dave Mitchell who was the manager of Sydney United in the National Soccer League.
Following his release from the Parramatta club, Townsend would head back to his roots on the Northern Beaches and play out the rest of his career with Manly-Warringah Dolphins in the NSW Second Division under Gary van Egmond.
Through his position and living abroad he worked closely with major global entities including PepsiCo, Emirates Airlines, Mastercard, Redbull, the NBA, the NFL, English Premier League and the Asian Football Confederation.
[7] During his time at Sydney, Townsend oversaw massive growth of the club, with the men's and women's team winning eight trophies and numerous accolades under the guidance of Graham Arnold, Steve Corica and Ante Juric.
The APL, in addition to running the national competitions, would take over the operational, commercial, and marketing control of the Professional Leagues and all revenue generation responsibilities.
[17] Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover picked up flares that had landed within his 18-yard box and in an attempt to dispose of them tossed them back over the advertising hoardings.
[18] In the ensuring chaos, Glover was assaulted by a Melbourne Victory supporter who threw a flare bucket at him, causing a severe laceration to his face and a concussion.