As the second half of our football seasons take shape, the NFNL is delighted to announce record breaking female participation rates in football umpiring in 2024.
As of early June, the NFNL has seen a 205% increase in female participation across our NFNL football umpiring program, the most of any metropolitan league in Victoria.
A catalyst to the growth has been the Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC) Football Umpiring Academy program conducted earlier this year, in which 78% of participants have gone on to officiate NFNL games in 2024.
It comes as NFNL football umpiring registrations reach over 470, which has already exceeded 2023’s final tally.
NFNL CEO Martin Stillman was thrilled to witness the record numbers in female participation across 2024.
“This is only the beginning in showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of female umpires in our league,” he said.
“We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The increase in female participation not only enriches our league but also sets a powerful example for the next generation.
“Our goal is to continue building on this momentum and ensure that female umpires receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.”
The NFNL football umpiring team is pleased to see a strong female representation in 2024 according to NFNL Head of Umpiring Martin Ellis, adding that the success or recent academies such as that at OLMC are opening the door to further development and training for junior umpires.
“To create an environment that is welcoming to females in the umpiring space is fantastic,” he said.
“Through the OLMC Football Umpiring Academy, we have created more opportunities and pathways for our female participants to umpire in the NFNL, which is what we will keep striving to achieve.”
