All-Female Referee Crew Makes History At Nepean Grand Final
The Nepean Referees Group (NRG) celebrated an important milestone on last Saturday, with an all-female on-field referee crew appointed to officiate the Nepean Football Association’s Waratah Reserve Grade Grand Final.
The Grand Final between Colo Soccer Club and Penrith FC was held at Jamison Park Synthetics on Saturday, 29 August, with three young NRG officials taking charge of the important fixture.
The all-female crew consisted of Ella McGarity as referee, with Hannah Stone as Assistant Referee 1 and Taylor Roberts as Assistant Referee 2.
The appointment represents another positive step for the development of female match officials within the Nepean refereeing community, with all three officials having been involved with NRG for between four and five years.
There is also a strong connection to the Football NSW Referee Academy, with Ella and Hannah both graduates of the Academy, while Taylor is a current member of the 2026 Football NSW Referee Academy.
The trio’s appointment reflects the growing opportunities being provided to young referees within NRG, with the group placing a strong emphasis on developing and trusting its emerging match officials.
NRG President Phil MacDonald said the three referees are helping lead the way for the next generation coming through the association.
“This year we’ve worked closely with our junior referees, giving them the trust and opportunity to officiate our top men’s and women’s competitions,” MacDonald said.
“Ella, Taylor and Hannah are three outstanding young officials leading the way for NRG’s future. Earning an appointment to one of Nepean’s highest-level Grand Finals is a great achievement in itself, but they’re also setting a strong example for the next generation of referees coming through.”
The appointment highlights the importance of providing young match officials with meaningful opportunities to develop their skills and experience in high-pressure environments.
For Ella, Hannah and Taylor, taking charge of one of Nepean Football Association’s major Grand Finals represents another significant milestone in their refereeing journeys.
With two Academy graduates now continuing to contribute at the highest levels of the local game and another current Academy member following closely behind, the future of refereeing at NRG looks bright.
Football NSW congratulates Ella McGarity, Hannah Stone and Taylor Roberts on their Grand Final appointments and recognises the work of NRG in continuing to develop and provide opportunities for the next generation of match officials.
