Next Generation of Officials: Football NSW Referee Academy Graduates Make Their Mark

Football NSW is celebrating the achievements of its 2026 Referee Academy graduating class, with a new generation of officials making significant strides across the state’s football competitions and earning opportunities on some of the game’s biggest stages.

The 2026 program challenged participants through a comprehensive 10-week selection process that included physical and theoretical testing, as well as match observations. Once selected, referees continued their development through weekly physical and theory training, monthly in-depth education sessions and regular match appointments.

The program provided participants with valuable experience across junior and senior football, state competitions and tournaments, helping prepare them for the demands of refereeing at higher levels.

The results of that development were evident throughout the season, with academy graduates earning appointments in major competitions and demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.

Three graduates reached significant milestones during the senior National Premier Leagues (NPL) finals series. Noah Moss refereed the NPL First Grade Semi-Final, Charlie Hollings officiated the League One/League Two Playoff match, while Aaliyah Elzein took charge of the Under-23 Women’s National Premier Leagues Grand Final.

Academy graduates also refereed matches in the Australian Cup and Australian Championships, highlighting the opportunities available to officials who continue to develop their skills and knowledge of the game.

Looking ahead, graduates will take another important step in their refereeing journeys, with some set to make their debuts in the A-Leagues competitions during the 2026/27 season.

Football NSW Referee Education Coordinator Nick Young said the program’s shift towards selecting younger candidates had been met with a positive response.

“A change of direction meant we were selecting younger candidates for the 2026 program and they responded very well to the challenge,” Young said.

“I look forward to watching how they each continue their development in 2027 and beyond.”

The graduating class reflects the depth of refereeing talent across Football NSW’s affiliated referee associations, with officials representing associations from across the state.

The focus now turns to the next generation, with the 2027 Football NSW Referee Academy preparing to continue that development pathway and provide emerging officials with opportunities to progress through the ranks.

The 2027 academy cohort brings together 20 referees from associations across the state, while the 2026 graduating class comprises 21 officials who have completed the program and taken important steps towards the next stage of their refereeing careers.

Together, the two groups highlight Football NSW’s ongoing commitment to developing young referees, strengthening the officiating pathway and supporting the future of football across the state.

Graduating Class of 2026

• Aaliyah Elzein – St George 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 – Blacktown City Soccer Referees Branch
• Dante Diaz – Canterbury Referees Association
• Eduardo Briones – Manly Warringah Football Referees Association
• Ethan Dunn – Sutherland Shire Football Referees Association
• Hayden Burns – Hills Football Referees
• Joel Byrnes – Granville District Football Referees Association
• Lachlan Figures – Hills Football Referees
• Marco Venturino – St George Football Referees Association
• Marissa Kerameas – St George Football Referees Association
• Noah Moss – Football NSW Referees Branch
• 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

2027 FNSW Referee Academy

• Aden Wong – Manly Warringah Football Referee Association
• Amirah Sergas – Manly Warringah Football Referee Association
• Anara Banks – Macarthur District Football Referees Association
• Brendan O’Shea – Blacktown City Soccer Referees Branch
• Charlotte O’Dwyer – Nepean Referees Group
• Connor Hokin – North West Sydney Football Referees Association
• Daniela Bice – Hills Football Referees
• Dominique Ashton – Hills Football Referees
• Ewan Ruskin – Northern Suburbs Football Referees Association
• Georgie Calleia – Manly Warringah Football Referee Association
• Hannah Atkins – Blacktown City Soccer Referees Branch
• Ivy Nguyen – Sutherland Shire Football Referees Association
• Joshua Edwards – Football South Coast Referees
• Koby Akhurst-Burgess – Football South Coast Referees
• Lachlan Renton – Central Coast Football Referees
• Lilly Martin – North West Sydney Football Referees Association
• Makaylah Cuevas – Blacktown City Soccer Referees Branch
• Malachi Smith – Nepean Referees Group
• Nicholas Broz – Canterbury Referees Association
• Nikolas O’Flynn – Sutherland Shire Football Referees Association
• Tessa Goddard – North West Sydney Football Referees Association