New Referees Selected for 2026 Football NSW Referee Academy
Football NSW has officially welcomed 25 new members into the 2026 Referee Academy, following an extensive three-month trial process that saw 88 referees from across the state tested through a series of physical trials and on-field match assessments.
The Football NSW Referee Academy provides a comprehensive environment for growth, combining physical and mental preparation, education sessions, and detailed match analysis to help referees reach their full potential both on and off the field.
Alongside the incoming members, 23 referees have graduated from the Academy, completing their journey through the program and taking the next step in their refereeing careers.
Football NSW Referee Academy Manager Nick Young said the latest intake reflects the depth of emerging officiating talent across the state and development that local branches are putting into their new members.
“We’re proud to welcome this new group of referees who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, fitness, and match awareness throughout the trials. The Academy continues to be a vital part of developing the next generation of match officials for local, state and national competitions.”
The 2025/26 Referee Academy program will commence on October 14 in preparation for the commencement of the 2026 season
Congratulations to the following referees selected for the 2026 Referee Academy:
- Aaliyah Elzein – St George Football Referees Association
- Anara Banks – Macarthur District Football Referees Association
- Beatrice Shimada – Canterbury Referees Association
- Brooklyn Faucett – Football South Coast Referees
- Charlie Hollings – North West Sydney Football Referees Association
- Chloe Holmes – Southern Tablelands Referees
- Christian Panagiotakis – Southern Districts Soccer Referees
- Dante Diaz – Canterbury Referees Association
- Eduardo Briones – Manly Warringah Football Referees Association
- Ethan Dunn – Sutherland Shire Football Referees Association
- Hannah Atkins – Blacktown City Soccer Referees Branch
- Hayden Burns – Hills Football Referees
- Joel Byrnes – Granville District Football Referees Association
- Lachlan Figures – Hills Football Referees
- Makaylah Cuevas – Blacktown City Soccer Referees Branch
- Marco Venturino – St George Football Referees Association
- Marissa Kerameas – St George Football Referees Association
- Noah Moss – Football NSW Referees
- Olivia Chivers – St George Football Referees Association
- Olivia Volpato – Football South Coast Referees
- Riley Myers – Bankstown District Referees
- Sarah Sharples – St George Football Referees Association
- Sebastian Ruskin – North West Sydney Football Referees Association
- Taylah Stiskin – Granville District Football Referees Association
- Taylor Roberts – Nepean Referees Group
