Get involved this Female Football Week 2026
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
We are excited to share a range of opportunities to celebrate girls and women refereeing as part of Female Football Week 2026, 8th to 17th May.
Female Football Week is a national initiative for recognising the vital role women play in football, including as match officials.
Please join our celebrations by attending any of our events below, cheering on The Third Team at Female Football Hubs across The Shire, and sharing these opportunities with your community. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah at femalerefs@ssfra.org.au.
Check out what the women and girls of SSFRA think about refereeing below.
Learn more about refereeing in the Shire at our free refereeing courses
As part of SSFRA's Female Football Week 2026 celebrations, we are excited to host a number of free refereeing courses and events for women and girls. Whether you're looking to refresh your current skills or introduce your friends, teammates, or family members to refereeing, this is the perfect opportunity to learn, connect, and take the first step into officiating football.
Date: Wednesday 13th May 2025
Time: Arrive at 6:15pm for 6:30pm start, ending at 9pm.
Location: Harrie Dening Centre, Bates Dr, Kareela
Who: This event is open to all women and girls interested in completing the Junior Match Official Course, to begin their refereeing journey with Sutherland Shire referees. For example, those who
Are a lover of football keen to earn some money through the sport they enjoy
Are a Miniroos or Summer Soccer referee wanting to make the jump to Black and White
Are a mum, aunt, grandma, sister, daughter keen to join in with a current referee
Have refereed previously and are considering getting involved again
Currently referee and seeking to refresh their skills and understanding of SSFRA processes
What: This event will involve light practical activities outdoors and general information / theory session indoors. There will be opportunity to meet current women and girls part of SSFRA.
Note, this is the official Football Australia Junior Match Official Course (previously Level 4 referee course). Additional information about the process for becoming a referee with SSFRA are available at https://www.ssfra.org.au/join.
Date: Friday 15th May 2025
Time: Arrive at 6:15 for 6:30 start. 6:30-9pm
Location: Harrie Dening Centre, Bates Dr, Kareela
Who: This event is open to all women and girls interested in completing the Senior Match Official Course, to grow and develop their refereeing skills. For example, those who
Are a referee wanting to learn Senior Match Official (formerly Level 3) concepts
Are a referee wanting accreditation to take on higher level appointments or other progression
Are currently refereeing and interested in developing their skills
Currently referee and seeking to refresh their skills and understanding SMO concepts
What: This event will involve practical activities outdoors and theory session indoors. There will be opportunity to meet current women and girls part of SSFRA.
Note, this course is the official Football Australia Senior Match Official course (formerly Level 3 referee course). You need to be an accredited referee (completed your Junior Match Official accreditation, Level 4) and be 16years of age in order to obtain the official SMO accreditation through this course.
Cheer on The Third Team at one of the many Female Football Hubs across The Shire
During Female Football Week 2026 there are a range of locations across The Shire showcasing the talent and fun girls and women bring to football, SSFRA referees included.
Get on down to your local field and cheer on The Third Team as they officiate football for Sutherland Shire Football Association clubs.
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