NSW Referees Shine at National Futsal Championships
Football NSW congratulates the 28 NSW referees and seven match official staff members who represented the state with distinction at the 2026 National Futsal Championships on the Gold Coast.
The Championships were held from Tuesday, 13 January to Saturday, 17 January 2026, across two premier venues, the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre and Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium bringing together the nation’s best futsal players and officials for five days of high-quality competition.
Among the officiating contingent were NSW FIFA Futsal Referees Dion Bradley, Jonathon Moore, and Nicholas Backo, who played key roles throughout the tournament.
NSW referees were appointed across matches at all stages of the Championships, reflecting the high regard in which they are held nationally. The tournament’s showpiece fixtures further highlighted this trust, with a strong NSW presence in both Grand Finals.
The Open Men’s Grand Final was officiated by Blake Sanchez-Cruz (Referee 1), Thomas Dale (Referee 2), Jackson Mackie (Referee 3), Jake Rose (Timekeeper), and Dion Bradley (Referee 4). In the Open Women’s Grand Final, NSW referee Harriet Gee was appointed as Referee 2, further underlining the depth and quality of officiating talent from the state.
Football NSW extends a special congratulations to Blake Sanchez-Cruz, who was named Referee of the Tournament, an outstanding achievement recognising his consistency, professionalism, and performance throughout the Championships.
Football NSW is proud of the efforts and achievements of all NSW referees and officials involved, whose dedication and excellence continue to set the standard for futsal officiating across the country.
