South Coast Flame has taken its football development program to another level. The club now has put through fourteen young players through the Level 4 referee program.

The players all share duties learning the game from a different perspective and develop their own self confidence by officiating games in our JDL programs.

Understanding the laws the game no doubt helps players with their own game. These players have developed a greater respect for referees in what is often a difficult job for young kids officiating Youth matches.

Not only does this benefit the club, the players/match officials but it also means that Flame can provide official referees at JDL games. This is not a requirement however, we recognise the benefits this has for all concerned.

It’s often said, those having played the game at a reasonable level will make good referees. Who knows, if playing doesn’t quite work out, some of these kids might just have an alternate career path.

We are delighted to continue this program and hope others take up the opportunity in future years in what is surely a win win for everyone.

Picture: Gragrapix

Front Row (L-R) Harper Ditthavong, Wil Leddy, Andre Arbolino and Jesse De Ornelas
Back Row (L-R) Billy Beniuk, Gianni Arbolino and Maiya Lovell

Absent from the photo, but in the program – Dhyllen Scales, Sarah Spyrakis, Taj Clare, Oscar Wood, William Edwards, Fiona Meta and Arika English.