Nepean Referees Group has been strongly represented in the Football NSW 2025 Referee Academy, which was announced just prior to Christmas.
With over 100 referees from across NSW trialling for a highly sought after place, Grace Williams, Hannah Stone and Wael Arabi will join ten other rising stars in the Academy for the 2025 season.
The Football NSW Referee Academy is dedicated to developing referees for success at state and national levels, with the ultimate goal of being identified by Football Australia as future referees or assistant referees in the A-League Women’s and Men’s Competitions.
Football NSW Referee Academy members receive specialized speed and agility training, tailored physical programs, opportunities to officiate at tournaments, targeted match day coaching, and access to both national and international referee coaches, along with mentorship from experienced NPL and A-Leagues referees.
December 2024 also saw NRG referee, Ella McGarity, graduate from the program after her selection in the Academy in 2023. Several Academy alumni have gone on to perform on the national and international stage, featuring in competitions such as Australia Cup, the A-Leagues, AFC and FIFA.
NRG has been the starting point for many talented referees over the years, including Sarah Ho (former FIFA and A-Leagues panels), Emma Kocbek (FIFA and A-Leagues panels), Molly Godsell (A-Leagues panel), and Alexis Johnson (A-Leagues panel).
