The Western Region Football League Umpires association is set to launch its fourth umpiring academy.
The association has been running three academies MacKillop College Werribee, Hoppers Crossing Football ground and Saltwater reserve Point Cook for a number of years which has produced many umpires to service the WRFL.
These operate on Monday nights between 4-5pm and commence for this season on Monday, March 4.
The newest addition to the academies is to be based at Hanmer Reserve, Yarraville
The new program based in Maribyrnong is designed to cater for all new umpires in the local area, so aspiring umpires aren’t forced to travel too far to get the required training
The Yaravillle academy will open on Wednesday, March 6 between 5-6pm and after two weeks it will revert to Thursday nights 5-6pm.
The new academy will be led by former AFL field umpire Murray Bird, who officiated 43 top-level games. Bird is also a part of the Queensland AFL Hall of Fame.
These are free and experienced staff will teach you the basics of umpiring. The benefits include communications, management, control and fitness.
“The academies are designed to have a bit of fun, and there’s opportunities to earn some money and service football at all levels,” WRFL director of umpiring Steve Keating said.
“There are tremendous opportunities for women and girls. We really want to encourage women and girls to get involved.
“You can also both play and umpire other games in your area and we endeavour to keep you close to home.
“We had quite a number of kids who played Western Jets football but also to improve their fitness also boundary umpired senior footy on a Saturday or ran around in junior footy on a Sunday as well.”
Anyone interested males and females, should contact the WRFL offices for more information.
