AFL field umpires Mathew Nicholls and Eleni Glouftsis have been appointed AFL Community Umpiring Ambassadors to the NFNL, while Sam Hay has joined the umpiring team.
Nicholls has strong ties to the NFNL, having commenced his umpiring journey in the Diamond Valley Football League. Meanwhile, Glouftsis made history in 2017 as the first female umpire to officiate an AFL game.
The NFNL Umpiring Team will have access to both umpires for eight hours of engagement each during the 2021 season.
Both Nicholls and Glouftsis will be involved in assisting with recruitment, skill drills, coaching and personal development.
Glouftsis will also work closely with newly appointed NFNL Umpiring Female Welfare Officer, Lisa Compton-Robins, in growing the female participation levels within the NFNL Umpiring Team.
Nicholls said he was looking forward to again working in the league where he began his umpiring journey.
“I started umpiring in the then Diamond Valley Football League as a 14-year-old in 1992, and I’m thrilled to be able to work with the NFNL umpires this year and contribute to their development, education, and coaching,” Nicholls said.
“Hopefully, I can inspire the umpires across both the senior and junior competitions to work hard to be their best and perhaps even aspire to make it to the AFL one day.”
Glouftsis said she was excited to be assisting the NFNL’s umpires throughout the 2021 season.
“My umpiring journey began at the NEMJFA in Adelaide when I was 13 years old. I loved my time at my local umpiring club and can’t wait to support the umpires at the NFNL this year.
“I look forward to assisting in the development of all umpires and encouraging them to continue to improve their umpiring.”
Throughout the season the NFNL will also have AFL boundary and goal umpires attend umpire training.
We are also excited to announce that former AFL field umpire, Sam Hay, has also joined the NFNL Umpiring Team and will work closely with NFNL Development Squad coach Neville Nash in developing the next wave of talented young field umpires.
Hay finished umpiring in the AFL in 2019 after 198 AFL matches.
The NFNL encourages all newcomers to join the NFNL Umpiring Team in 2021 and be inspired by the AFL umpires.
Earn money, keep fit, learn leadership skills, and make friends.
For more information, please contact NFNL Head of Umpiring Cameron Nash at cnash@nfnl.org.au.
