Football Victoria to roll out new app to stamp out abuse towards referees

Staff Writer

As from next week, Football Victoria will be rolling out an Australian-first technology scheme to allow soccer referees to blow the whistle on abuse.

All first-year referees will be given access to technology that can register offensive or violent behaviour, as well as track their mental and physical wellbeing.

This comes as Football Victoria has taken a stand against referee abuse, from both on and off the field (not dissimilar to the AFL and their Behavioural Awareness Officers initiative).

A smartphone app will allow referees to formulate a post-match analysis that will detail how the teams behaved, as well as being able to measure their own performance.

It will feed into a statewide register that is being monitored by the game’s governing body. Action will then be taken when it is deemed that the behaviour is of an anti-social manner.

Football Victoria and Melbourne-based technology business RefLive have teamed up in an attempt to give an opportunity to those who need it most.

At least 40% of referees and umpires throw their whistles away every season. Data analytics will be used to improve retention and performance.

Football Victoria referee manager Luke Brennan explained that referee turnover is “one of the biggest issues in football’’ and he is hopeful that this new system can swing the tide and help referees feel more comfortable.

“This could be rolled out to many more refs in other sports.’’

“It allows us to have real-time data to proactively support first-year referees who are the group most likely to leave due to a negative experience.’’

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Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

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Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

‘Back together!’ – SD Raiders FC announce partnership with GIOCA

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SD Raiders FC

In an announcement made via social media on Friday, SD Raiders FC revealed they would be collaborating once more with sports brand and apparel supplier GIOCA. 

 

Old partners, new goals

While the SD Raiders and GIOCA only announced the news of their upcoming collaboration on Friday, the bond between these two organisations goes back nearly a decade. 

One of GIOCA’S first club partners was with SD Raiders FC back in 2016. The recent announcement highlights the strong connections established with the club which have endured nearly a decade later. 

“Back together! A full circle moment as we re-join forces with SD Raiders FC – one of our very first club partners all those years ago,” GIOCA said via an announcement on social media. 

As SD Raiders look to tackle their first season in the NPL NSW, reigniting a longstanding relationship with GIOCA will be an invaluable source of support for the club both on and off the pitch. 

 

By footballers, for footballers

What sets GIOCA apart from other apparel suppliers in Australia is the links engrained within the company to the footballing world. The brand prides itself on being created by current and former professionals to ensure their clients and partners receive high-quality apparel, custom jerseys and football accessories. 

Since its inception 10 years ago, GIOCA has grown into a highly-regarded sports brand in Australia, with operations expanding across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. SD Raiders FC will join several clubs due to partner with GIOCA in 2026, including Ormeau FC (QLD), Narellan Rangers Soccer Club (NSW) and North Coast Football. 

 

A recipe for success

GIOCA stands as an exciting partner for SD Raiders FC not just for the apparel services they provide, but for their history of working with clubs aiming for success. 

Just last season, the brand worked with NWS Spirit as they clinched the NPL NSW title, as well as with Melbourne-based side, Bentleigh Greens, who achieved promotion to the NPL VIC. SD Raiders FC will no doubt be hoping that their reestablished connections with GIOCA will lead to similar levels of success in 2026 and beyond.

Click here for more information about the services offered by GIOCA.

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