Far North Coast Boast a Wealth of Talent
By Jamie Gallagher – Tweed Daily News 23 July 2009.
WHAT they lack in numbers Football Far North Coast referees make up in talent, boasting a wealth of the country’s top up-and-coming whistle-blowers.
Spearheaded by 2009 Football Federation Australia ‘Referee of the Year’ Luke Mackney, the FFNC crew have upheld the rules at some of the nation’s leading junior tournaments.
Having impressed onlookers when nominated by Northern NSW Football to officiate at State Youth League fixtures in Newcastle, Mackney is packing his cards and heading to Perth for the National Secondary Schools Titles in August.
“This is a great testament to the quality of officials being developed within Northern NSW and Luke is to be congratulated on being recognized in this way,” NNSWF operations manager Alan Nisbet said.
“Luke has already had an outstanding year, and this is just another accolade for him.”
The Goonellabah resident is then expected to referee in the Queensland SYL next season.
Also impressing has been Sarah Drake at the KANGA Cup in Canberra, where she was awarded ‘Referee Of The Tournament’ and was appointed to take control of the under-18 girls grand final.
Drake travelled with David Henville, who was appointed to the under-14 boys grand final; Tiarna Kinnear, who officiated the under-16 girls final; and Damien Parker who was assistant referee for the under-16 boys’ final.
“All the inspectors at the tournament were very impressed by the standard of our match officials,” FFNC president Dick Nolan said.
It is also noted that Anna Hutchinson, Louise Farrell and Tanisha Walker recently controlled proceedings at the National under-15 and under-17 Girls’ Titles in Coffs Harbour.
