It’s been a fantastic start to the 2025 season for our referee program with our numbers and coverage rising, however the real highlight has been the significant growth within our female referee program of a huge 48% in just two years – 55 female referees in 2025, up from 37 female referees in 2023.
This sharp rise reflects Hills Football’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities and pathways for women in the game.
A strong foundation of dedicated programs and support has helped drive this growth:
- Female-Only Entrance and Upgrade Courses making it easier for women to get started and progress with confidence.
- Monthly Female Only Training Sessions offer targeted development sessions specifically for our female referee group, including accessing special guest appearances from A-League Women’s Referees.
- Two dedicated Female Referee Development Officers and four Female Referee Coaches provide ongoing mentoring, ensuring every official is supported throughout their journey.
- Female-cut referee uniforms as no one deserves to have to wearing clothing for hours on end that is uncomfortable.
Hills Football’s initiatives aren’t just about boosting numbers — they’re about changing the culture. Creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces has helped women build confidence and find belonging in football as a referee.
These programs are already making an impact. From grassroots matches to representative competitions, female referees are now a regular and respected presence across the Hills Football community.
Whilst our intake for the 2025 season has now closed, if you are interested in becoming a referee for the 2026 season, please register your interest to join our referee family here: https://form.jotform.com/233157604240044
If you have any questions about our Female Referee program or our wider Referee program, please contact our Referee Administration Officer Chris Codling via email chris.codling@hillsfootball.com.au
