Introduction

Random and unofficial insights and happenings at Football Tournaments nationally from the officials perspective

Sunday, October 7, 2012

National Youth Champs part 2

Hey,

For those interested and without a direct link to someone who attended, here's the Referee team photo from the FFA National Youth Championships, held last week in Coffs Harbour.





Great to see that a team photo is still being done.  If anyone has some from the last few years, would love to have a copy and upload onto the Ausref Flickr feed.

Would anyone be interested in getting a formal group photo done for next year's Kanga Academy referees?  It's a great way to keep track of who attended with you if you don't use social media sources - I'll have to suggest it to David K. 

Great that they are all supplied a formal dress shirt / track suit.  However, funny that its not a single brand, with Adidas supplying referees and Nike on the Coaches jackets.  Perhaps different suppliers but positive recognition from FFA for the group by supplying equipment.

Does it make you want to work harder, attend training more, listen closer during coaching nights next season - I hope so, only 5 months till preseason....


Saturday, October 6, 2012

FFA National Youth Championship

Evening everyone,

As I watch the third Brisbane based A-League referee officiate tonight's game, I've reflected upon the pathway that brought them to this level.  At some point in their careers, Jarred, Peter and Alan have all attended the National Titles on their way towards appearing on my Foxtel screen.  Watching Alan's match with its terrible weather right now, happy to be at home on the couch.

However, I digress and figured I'd put out some congratulations to all the referee's and assessors / coaches working hard in the last week at the FFA National Youth Championships for boys.  400 of the country's elite U/13 & U/14 players attended Coffs Harbour, supported by the elite future talent for refereeing in the country.  No doubt you had a excellent experience, being coached by Steve Fenech (NSW), Derek Rugg (Qld), Matthew Cheeseman (WA), Craig Zetter (SA), Paul Eldridge (Qld) and Adrian Lockley (Tas) and will take away great memories, new challenges and life long friendships.

I still remember my time at Nationals (back in the day) at Parklea (NSW) and the adventures we had and can't talk about publicly.  Remember, what happens at tournament stays on tournament.  But mostly I value the enduring friendships.

The big prize of the week was the All Star games, with the top crews selected .Well done to everyone.

Matthew Male - Day 4, with acknowledge to NNSW Football
U13's
Referee: Matthew Male (QLD)
AR1: Joel Cockbain (NNSW)
AR2: Cameron Fawcett (QLD)
4th: Joshua Cornick (NNSW)




U14's
Referee: Lachlan Daniel (NSW)
AR1: Kyle Bartlett (SA)
AR2: Karl Davies (NSW)
4th: Kearney Robinson (NSW)

Further pictures can be found via the NNSW Footballs Facebook page - not many, but some good ones.
 
Great to see the talent is spread across the nation.  From a recent conversation about the group I was in, we produced 9 FIFA badges out of 20 participants.  I wonder how many from this group will be able to say the same thing in a few years time???

P.S.  Just saw Owen Goldrick, Capital Football referee and Kanga Alumni and now A-League AR on tonights Wanders game - not sure if it was his first, but again excellent to see the system working - Owen also attended Nationals in 2011, so amazing progression - well done mate.