Premier League Match Officials Visit Football NSW Referees Branch at Valentine Sports Park
Football NSW Referees Branch members were given a unique opportunity last Wednesday, as a group of international referees from England visited Valentine Sports Park during their time in Sydney for the FIFA Series clash between the Socceroos and Cameroon.
More than 60 match officials attended the session, where Premier League referees Andy Madley, Rob Jones, Wade Smith, Neil Davies and James Bell shared insights into their careers and officiating at the highest level of the game.
The visit featured an engaging Q&A session, with the officials offering valuable advice to up-and-coming referees. The session provided a rare and inspiring learning experience for referees across New South Wales.
Football NSW Referees Development & Education Manager Emma Kocbek expressed her appreciation for the visiting officials and the impact of the session.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Andy, Rob, Wade, Neil and James for taking the time to visit Valentine Sports Park and share their knowledge and experiences with our match officials,” she said.
“Opportunities like this are invaluable for referee development, and it was fantastic to see so many of our officials engaged and learning from some of the best in the game.”
The visit highlights Football NSW’s ongoing commitment to referee education and development.
Click here to access the Football NSW Referee Hub for more information on officiating pathways.
