Referee Opportunity Course success

A special Referee Opportunity 8-week course offering young people the chance to officiate through sport concluded on Monday 4th of July as twelve young participants successfully completed their entry level Futsal and Football qualifications.

The course was well supported by Football NSW, NSW Futsal Referees Association and the Ku-ring-gai & District Football Referees Association and Willoughby City Council as the 12 graduates took part in a special ceremony held at the Chatswood Youth Centre.

The program specifically targeted young people who would not have otherwise had these opportunities.

This included young people at high risk of future unemployment due to poor school attendance, disabilities and those who are newly arrived to the country.

A number of benefits were seen via this program as Football NSW Referees Manager Kris Griffiths-Jones

“There were a number of key benefits that this program offered the twelve young officials who from all reports thoroughly enjoyed their time.

“It provided them with an opportunity to learn a new skill, earn money, increase confidence and self-esteem, have access to mentors, met new friends, had access to futsal and football pathways such as attending National Championships and provided them with the chance to participate in physical activity.

“It also assisted in addressing social issues faced by young people in Chatswood and on the North Shore – Well done to all those involved in what was a special program.”