Sport
19 April, 2024
Excitement builds for umpires
WITH more than 40 young people now training to become footy umpires, including 21 new ‘recruits’, the future looks bright for local competitions.
As members of the Warrnambool and District Football Umpires Association, these future stars enjoy regular training sessions in Warrnambool with the aim to officiate at leagues across the district.
Two of the young ‘stars’, locals Maya Furphy and Lilla Adamson, have been selected to officiate at Auskick games this weekend during the half-time break of AFL matches.
While Maya will head to Marvel Stadium (which will host the Carlton v GSW Giants game), Lilla will head to the MCG (home of this weekend’s Collingwood v Port Adelaide clash).
“We’re both really excited,” Lilla said.
“My friends introduced me to the umpires association about a year ago and I went to a skills day in Melbourne about two weeks ago which was really good.”
Maya, who now mentors other young people keen on umpiring, encourages anyone interested to have a go.
“I’ve been doing this for about three years and am now a mentor. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”