Female umps mark milestone

ANOTHER milestone for women’s participation in football has been reached, with two female umpires making their debut in the Ballarat Football Netball League senior competition.

Ally Steenhuis and Kate Tomkins from the Ballarat Football Umpires Association, or BFUA, have begun their umpiring journey in the senior competition, which head of umpire operations Billy Mitchell said is an exciting achievement.

“Kate and Ally’s promotion to BFNL senior football is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication,” he said.

Mitchell said their debut is a proud moment for the BFUA community whose members are passionate about championing women’s involvement in sport.

“They have received tremendous feedback from umpire coaches, fellow umpires, and football clubs across the leagues, which speaks to their qualities as umpires and young women,” he said.

Steenhuis began umpiring in 2021 and said she hopes to keep on making progress in her umpiring career while also continuing to contribute to the Ballarat football community.

Ms Tomkins began her career in the Western Border Football League in 2015 following the legacy of her family and desire to keep fit.