Football Queensland announces Schools Referee Program

Avatar

In an effort to boost referee numbers across the state, Football Queensland has announced a brand-new innovative Schools Referee Program in order to educate students about becoming match officials.

Refereeing is undoubtedly a vital part of football everywhere, and Football Queensland’s work towards building up match officials for the future is essential to the longevity of the game in its current form.

Football Queensland CEO, Robert Cavallucci, acknowledged the potential impact of the program for the state’s football future.

“The Schools Referee Program will grow referee numbers across the state as schools sign up to host a Level 4 Introductory Course for students,” he said.

“This program aligns with FQ’s Strategic Plan target to develop new schools programs and improve coach and referee development opportunities in an accessible way. Students will learn how to become a referee within their school environment, gaining a new qualification and the opportunity to earn money while embarking on a rewarding career path.

“Students have the opportunity to become part of the FQ referee family, gaining access to valuable resources such as education materials, video analysis tools and mentoring by senior FQ referees.

“Football Queensland is confident the Schools Referee Program will help cultivate the next generation of referees to officiate matches at community football or in our elite competitions.”

Jacqui Hurford, Football Queensland State Referee Manager, was enthusiastic about the numerous benefits afforded by the program for schools and students.

“The aim of this program is to help the schools become self-sufficient in match officials, which will ultimately drive down their costs. Boosting the number of student referees will address the shortage of match officials available for school games, particularly during school hours,” she said.

“Student referees exhibit improved confidence, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility, developing leadership skills as well as problem solving and conflict resolution.”

All registered first-year referees will receive a registration pack which includes a referee uniform, whistle, flag and cards. Football Queensland will also be providing schools with marketing collateral in an effort to promote the course to students, and to deliver the program at a time that best suits the school.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Female Football Week kicks off across Northern NSW

Avatar
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Female Football Week has officially begun across Northern NSW, with a program of gala days, networking events and awards ceremonies running until Sunday May 17, marking a ten-day celebration that organisers say reflects both the growth of women’s football in the region and the work still required to sustain it.

The national initiative, now a fixture on the football calendar, provides a dedicated period of visibility for female participants across all levels of the game from players, coaches, referees to volunteers, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than their male counterparts.

NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter said the week offered something for everyone connected to women’s football in the region.

“Female Football Week provides a fantastic chance to highlight the dedication and skill of female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the northern NSW community,” Carter said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from grassroots participants to elite competitors.”

Women’s football in northern NSW spans remote and regional communities where clubs operate on limited resources, alongside more established metropolitan programs with clearer development pathways. Female Football Week creates a moment of shared recognition across that spectrum and acknowledges the role volunteers play, from running the canteen to progressing through the pathway.

Northern NSW Football has recorded some of its strongest participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football in recent seasons, a trend that has placed increasing pressure on clubs and facilities to keep pace. The week’s events offer clubs an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion at a time when that commitment is being tested by growth.

Football NNSW Releases Infrastructure Strategies as Participation Growth Outpaces Facilities

Avatar
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Northern NSW Football has unveiled bespoke infrastructure strategies for each of its seven member zones, providing an evidence-based roadmap for facility investment across the region as continued participation growth exposes critical gaps in the sporting infrastructure available to support it.

The Member Zone Infrastructure Strategies draw on data across participation rates, population growth and existing facility conditions to map what each zone has, what it needs and where investment will have the greatest impact. Identified gaps include drainage, lighting and inclusive changerooms – the foundational infrastructure that determines whether facilities are functional, safe and accessible year-round.

NNSWF Government Relations Manager Gary Fisher said the strategies represented a significant step toward smarter, more targeted investment across the region.

“By bringing together key data on participation, population growth and existing infrastructure, these strategies give us a stronger understanding of where the needs are greatest and where investment will have the most impact,” Fisher said. “Ultimately we want to create more inclusive and accessible environments for everyone involved in the game while building stronger, more sustainable clubs and communities for the future.”

Northern NSW Football has previously noted that participation across the region is at record levels and still rising, with women’s and girls’ football a significant driver of that growth. Infrastructure that was built for a smaller and less diverse participation base is increasingly unable to meet current demand, let alone accommodate future growth.

The strategies are also designed to strengthen NNSWF’s alignment with government funding priorities, providing the evidence base needed to support grant applications and long-term facility planning across all seven zones.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend