SSFRA represents at Proctor Park Cup 2025
Across two jam-packed days of football, four SSFRA referees officiated over 50 matches at the FNSW Proctor Park Cup. It was a big and rewarding weekend for Lucy, Kate, Olivia, and Sarah, offering countless opportunities to develop skills, connect with fellow referees, and receive valuable coaching from A-League and FNSW officials.
Building Skills and Friendships, on and off the Field
The opportunity came highly recommended by past attendees, and this year’s participants found it just as valuable. As Zoe put it: “You won’t get a better opportunity for feedback and connecting with female referees. And don’t forget your sunscreen!”
For Lucy, both the professional and social aspects of the weekend stood out:
"Free pizza night by the pool, making new friends, and learning about their experiences throughout their refereeing journey was really good. The enormous amount of valuable feedback given by highly experienced referees of multiple ages and skill levels was incredible.”
Kate echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the opportunity to grow and bond with fellow referees:
“It was great for making lots of new referee friends and learning a lot of new techniques and tricks to put into my refereeing to make me better.”
For Olivia, the tournament was an enjoyable and valuable learning experience:
“I liked it. It was good to learn new things and get coaching.”
The event also provided an opportunity to test out new women’s cut refereeing uniforms, with the Markka and Legea options regarded as “incredibly stretchy and incredibly comfortable.”
Effort awarded with Honour Appointments
Across the tournament, our SSFRA representatives covered an impressive number of games (and kilometers!):
Lucy: 7 AR, 6 Center
Kate: 11 AR, 1 Center
Olivia: 4 AR, 7 Center
Sarah: 9 AR, 4 Center
The dedication and performances were recognized with several honorary appointments:
Lucy: U15 Grand Final AR1, U18 Semi-Final AR1
Kate: U13 Grand Final AR1, U15 Semi-Final AR2
Olivia: U18 Semi-Final AR2
Sarah: U15 Semi-Final AR1
An Outstanding Achievement
Having four SSFRA referees attend—and five offered the opportunity—marks another milestone in our Club Changer Action Plan, reinforcing our commitment to growing female refereeing in Sutherland. As the first independent referees branch to be awarded the One Star Club Changer badge by Football Australia, this achievement sets the stage for an exciting 2025 refereeing season.
Interested in joining us? Check out how to become a referee with SSFRA here or reach out to Sarah at FemaleRefs@sssfra.org.au for information about our female referee initiatives and community.
Comments