In a inspiring initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and gender diversity in officiating, the Northern Suburbs Football Referees Association (NSFRA) proudly celebrates the successful completion of its female-only referee course.
Conducted on the 7th and 9th of May at the West Lindfield Sports Centre, the course saw 18 aspiring referees undergo comprehensive training to become Level 4 Match officials.
Led by experienced instructors Nick Gongolidis and Alana Zic, the course provided participants theory and practical sessions covering essential aspects of refereeing, including rules interpretation, match management, and decision-making under pressure. The female-only format of the course created a supportive and empowering environment, allowing participants to develop their skills and confidence without inhibition.
As part of NSFA’s ongoing partnership with Beyond Bank Australia, the association encourages community members to support its fundraising efforts by opening a Community Reward Account (CRA).
By saving your referee pay (or any regular savings) through a CRA, individuals can contribute to NSFA’s fundraising initiatives at no cost to themselves. Beyond Bank will donate back to NSFA based on the number of Community Reward Accounts operating, providing vital support for grassroots football development.
To open your Community Reward Account and support NSFA’s fundraising efforts, visit this link.
“Encouraging women to take on leadership roles within football is a core goal for NSFA, and the enthusiasm displayed the participants was great to see.”
Commenting on the success of the course, NSFA Female Football Manager, Kristi Murphy, expressed her delight at the increased representation of female referees within the association. “We are thrilled to see such a strong turnout for our female-only referee course,” said Kristi.
The graduation of 18 new female referees marks a significant milestone in NSFA’s commitment to gender equity and diversity in football officiating. As these referees embark on their officiating journey, they will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport and setting a positive example for aspiring female officials.
