Football NSW Referees celebrate season of excellence at annual awards
The Football NSW Referees Branch came together at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, on Friday, October 9, to celebrate the 2026 season and recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of its refereeing community.
Senior members of the Branch gathered for the annual awards evening, celebrating those nominated for and recognised with end-of-season honours, while acknowledging the dedication and commitment of referees and officials across the game.
Among the guests were respected Football NSW Referees Life Members Alex Glasgow, Con Diomis, Jim Nicolaou, John Bowdler, Kurt Ams, Richard Baker, Robert Colombo, Sandro Perticarini and Simon Micallef.
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise referees who have reached significant milestones in their service to Football NSW Referees.
Ben Abraha, Kelly Jones, Adrian Arndt and Danny Horstead were acknowledged for 15 years of active service, while Steve Lucas, Owen Ferguson and Adam Weir were recognised for reaching the impressive milestone of 20 years.
Arndt and Horstead also received personalised jerseys commemorating their final matches in the NPL NSW Men’s competition last season, following their announcements of retirement at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
The awards recognised excellence across a range of refereeing roles, from emerging officials to those officiating at the highest levels of the game.
Sarah Ratcliffe received the Laurie Ang Rookie of the Year award, while Alex Zastavnikovic was named recipient of the John Hague Most Improved award. Wayne Lenardon took home the Dennis Micallef Assessor of the Year award, and Chris Young was recognised with the Bob Grabowski Members’ Member of the Year Award.
In the under-age categories, Aaliyah Elzein was named U20s Referee of the Year, while Kai Jopson received the U23s Referee of the Year award.
Hannah Pola and Matt Harris were recognised as Assistant Referees of the Year, with Tom Dale named NPL Men’s Referee of the Year and Alana Zic awarded NPL Women’s Referee of the Year.
The annual awards evening celebrated not only the achievements of the award winners, but also the countless contributions made by referees, assessors and members who help support and strengthen football across New South Wales.
Congratulations to all award winners and nominees, as well as all Football NSW Referees members for their dedication, professionalism and service throughout the season.
