Kate Jacewicz announced as AFF Referee of the Year (Women)

Liam Watson

Leading Australian referee Kate Jacewicz has been honoured by being named the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Referee of the Year for women.

It was announced recently at the gala AFF Awards held at Hanoi in Vietnam.

Jacewicz received this award off the back of another tremendous year with the whistle, including officiating her ninth Westfield W-League Grand FInal in February 2019 between Sydney FC and Perth Glory.

Jacewicz has been recognised as the W-League referee of the year seven times and part of the 75 match officials around the world who refereed at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

It’s added to her impressive list of career achievements which also includes her making history by becoming the first female to occupy a spot on the A-League Referees Panel, helping out with both A-League and W-League matches.

In a statement by Football Federation Australia and chair of FFA Referees committee Chris Nikou, they congratulated Jacewicz on her significant achievement and her professionalism she continually shows.

“Kate is one of the world’s finest referees and thoroughly deserves this award. Whatever the game, whatever the level, she is a model of consistency and class,” Nikou said.

“Her work on the pitch is a reminder to us all just how vital referees are to the lifeblood and well-being of our game.”

Source: https://www.ffa.com.au/news/kate-jacewicz-named-aff-referee-year-women

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FQ names Holly Johnson as Community Engagement Officer

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Image credit: PxHere

Football Queensland has confirmed Holly Johnson as the new Club Development Ambassador (CDA) and Community Engagement Officer for the central Coast Region.

Holly is a well-regarded member of the local football community and a dedicated advocate for women and girls, having worked as both a coordinator and coach in Rockhampton. Her long-term involvement with the FQ Academy, as a parent and later a junior coach, has given her valuable insight into player development and the wider football landscape.

With more than ten years of experience at Central Coast community football clubs, Holly offers valuable knowledge of the region’s distinct strengths and challenges.

“I’m looking forward to supporting young players as they progress through the ranks, helping nurture their skills, confidence and love for the game,” Johnson said via press release.

“The strength of our community lies in its people, from tireless volunteers to experienced coaches who act as mentors and role models. I’m excited to support and develop these coaches so they can continue to guide the next generation.

“My vision is for a united Central Coast football community that is inclusive, empowered, and recognised for producing quality players, coaches, and volunteers.

FQ Central Coast General Manager Jordie Gerbes said Holly’s appointment is a positive move for the growth of football in the region.

“We are excited to welcome Holly Johnson as our new Central Coast CDA & Community Engagement Officer, a familiar face to many through her years of hands-on involvement at the community level,” Gerbes said via press release.

“In addition to her knowledge of the region, Holly’s leadership in the women and girls space will be a valuable asset as we continue working toward our strategic target of 50/50 gender parity in participation by 2027. Her understanding of the barriers and opportunities for female players will help create more inclusive, accessible environments that enable all participants to thrive. 

“Holly’s role will span both Game Development and Technical areas, and her relationships with local clubs will help her support the continued growth of football in the Central Coast. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive contributions she’ll make.” 

Holly’s appointment is set to energise football on the Central Coast, combining her deep local knowledge, passion for community engagement, and commitment to developing pathways for women and girls. Her leadership will play a key role in driving growth, strengthening club networks, and ensuring the region’s unique strengths are supported and celebrated.

Inaugural Female Referee Mentoring Program Launched by Football NSW

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Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has launched the Female Referees Mentoring Program, a groundbreaking initiative which aims to support and develop  female referees throughout the state.

This unique program builds on the groundwork set by recent NSW Football Legacy scholarship initiatives, continuing to create opportunities and support greater gender diversity in football officiating.

It’s another strong example of Football NSW’s ongoing commitment to developing and supporting female referees.

Football NSW’s Referees Development & Education Manager Emma Kocbek highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering female referees through mentorship, fostering inclusion and strengthening the game with greater diversity.

“Football NSW is committed to creating an inclusive environment that encourages women to thrive in all aspects of the game,” Kocbek said in a press release.

“This mentoring program is a significant step forward in empowering female referees, providing them with the tools, confidence, and mentorship needed to succeed at higher levels.

“We believe that diverse refereeing panels lead to a more dynamic, fair, and engaging game for everyone.”

The Mentoring Program is designed to support Level 3 and Level 4 female referees by connecting them with experienced mentors.

Through tailored guidance, real-world advice, and ongoing support, participants will grow their skills, build confidence, and develop as leaders on and off the field.

This support will help them advance in their refereeing careers while also playing a part in encouraging more women to get involved in officiating—across NSW and beyond.

This innovative initiative is part of Football NSW’s wider commitment to increasing female involvement and leadership at all levels of the game.

By backing and developing female referees, Football NSW hopes to inspire more women to take up officiating and help build a football community that is more inclusive, diverse, and representative of everyone who loves the game.

Football NSW’s Head of Women’s and Schools Football Hayley Todd emphasised that ongoing government funding is vital to grow mentoring programs, boost referee numbers, and build a stronger, more supportive sporting community.

“Government funding plays a crucial role in the successful implementation and growth of the mentoring programs,” Todd said in a press release.

“As participation numbers continue to rise, sustained investment is essential to ensure we are not only increasing the number of referees but also enhancing their skills and confidence.

“By prioritising this investment, we can build a more robust and well-supported sporting community that benefits players, coaches, and referees alike.”

In the coming weeks, Football NSW will be working closely with Referee Branches to identify both mentors and mentees for the program.

This project is proudly backed by the NSW Office of Sport through the NSW Football Legacy Program, and by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care through its Play Our Way Program.

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