From Talent ID to the Big Stage: Young Referees Rewarded with Finals Appointments

The Football NSW All Age Women’s and All Age Men’s Champion of Champions Finals provided another important showcase for the development of young match officials, with emerging referees taking on key appointments at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday 18 October.

With support from their local referee branches and experienced colleagues, the young officials demonstrated the value of providing opportunities on significant match days further highlighting the pathways available to referees looking to progress in the game.

In the All Age Women’s Final, Hills Football Referees’ Dominique Ashton took charge as referee, supported by assistant referees Daniela Bice and Amber Taylor, with Gabriella Arcidiacono appointed as fourth official.

The All Age Men’s Final saw Sutherland Shire Referees Association’s Byron Whitbread appointed as referee, with Mark Gregory and Ivy Nguyen serving as assistant referees.

A significant feature of both appointments was the age and development of the officials involved. Dominique Ashton, Daniela Bice, Ivy Nguyen and Byron Whitbread are all aged 18 or under, having progressed through their respective branches’ development pathways to earn opportunities on one of the season’s major stages.

Ashton, Bice and Nguyen have also been accepted into the Football NSW Referee Academy for 2027, marking another important milestone in their refereeing journeys and reinforcing the value of the development programs operating across the state.

Both Ashton and Whitbread have gained valuable experience at a young age, spending time within the Football NSW Referee Development Panel and receiving opportunities to officiate senior football through their respective branches.

Their progress reflects the importance of identifying promising officials early, providing them with appropriate support and trusting them with opportunities that challenge them to continue improving.

Importantly, the young referees were supported throughout the finals appointments by experienced match officials Mark Gregory, Amber Taylor and Gabriella Arcidiacono, highlighting the role that mentorship and collaboration play in developing the next generation.

Sutherland Shire Referees Association President Chris Young praised the work Byron Whitbread and Ivy Nguyen had put into their refereeing, highlighting the role of the branch’s Talent ID program in helping them reach the occasion.

“Byron and Ivy’s appointments to the All Age Men Champion of Champions Final at such a young age reflect the work they’ve put into their refereeing. Both came through Sutherland’s Talent ID program, led by Mitch Clark and Connor Mead. It’s great to see that investment paying off, and to have Mark there to support them on the day,” Young said.

For Hills Football Referees, the All Age Women’s Final was another opportunity to recognise the progress of its emerging officials and the work being undertaken to prepare them for higher-level appointments.

Hills Football Referees Manager Chris Codling said the opportunity was particularly significant for Ashton and Bice, given their age and the investment made in their development.

“It was a really great opportunity especially for Dom and Dani to officiate an All Age Women Champion of Champions final at such a young age, demonstrating the investment into their development is really paying off,” Codling said.

Hills Football Referees Female Referee Development Officer Alana Zic also highlighted the importance of the branch’s female referee development group and the strong relationships being built between its members.

“All the ladies on the All Age Women’s Champion of Champions Final are a part of the female referee development group we have at Hills. This appointment speaks to the success of the women in the group and the comradery they sure, regardless of experience or age,” Zic said.

The appointments underline the importance of strong local development structures, where talent identification, ongoing education, senior-level opportunities and mentorship work together to help referees progress.

For young officials, being entrusted with a Champion of Champions Final is more than recognition of their current ability. It is an opportunity to build confidence, gain experience in a high-pressure environment and continue developing the skills required for future appointments.

The acceptance of Ashton, Bice and Nguyen into the 2027 Football NSW Referee Academy further demonstrates how local branch programs can support referees towards the next stage of their development.

Football NSW congratulates all officials involved in the All Age Women’s and All Age Men’s Champion of Champions Finals, as well as Hills Football Referees and Sutherland Shire Referees Association for their continued commitment to developing match officials.

Their work is helping create meaningful opportunities for emerging referees and ensuring the next generation is supported, encouraged and prepared to take the next step in their refereeing journeys.