AFL Barwon opens Bellarine training site for umpires

A MAJOR win for football umpires across the region has been offically opened, with AFL Barwon now operating a secondary facility for the game’s adjudicators on the Bellarine.

AFL Barwon regional general manager Edward Wilson described the satellite training facility at Drysdale Sporting Complex on Belchers Road as a pivotal milestone for the organisation.

“The establishment of this umpiring program is testament to a continued commitment to underpin the growth in umpiring numbers, with programs that support development, recruitment and retention,” he said.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support of this vision from Drysdale Football Netball Club and thank all involved for their collective contributions to the implementation of this program.”

As part of the new site’s opening, AFL Barwon and Drysdale FNC signed a memorandum of understanding for the former to use the site, with the Hawks serving as site managers of the precinct.

The complex is also home to Peninsula Sharks Football Club, a new club that caters only to girls’ football and is made up of players from Drysdale, Portarlington, Queenscliff and Leopold.

The new training site addresses previous logistical challenges faced by umpires in terms of travel time and distance, and underscores a commitment to enhancing accessibility and convenience for umpires residing in the Bellarine Peninsula.

Before the new site opened, AFL Barwon umpires had to travel to Kardinia Park to train, regardless of where they lived.

AFL Barwon stated the strategic placement of the Drysdale satellite venue provided options and served as a catalyst for new umpires, as they would receive top-level coaching and engage in match simulations where possible.

Drysdale FNC president Trevor Hume said the club was happy to assist in the creation of the new site and also hoped it would attract new umpires to the club’s academy.

“Drysdale Hawks are grateful for AFL Barwon’s support of the launch of our umpire academy.

“It has been two years in the making, having trialled the program last year with huge success.

“The AFL Barwon satellite umpire training venue offers to support the recruitment and retention of umpires in our region. We would welcome anyone 13 years and older to be involved.”

AFL Barwon director of football umpiring Jock Hillgrove said the long-term goal of AFL Barwon is to establish new sites catering to residents on the Surf Coast and Geelong’s growth corridor.

Mr Hillgrove also stated it is always on the lookout for new umpires.

Those interested in becoming an AFL Barwon umpire can enquire at [email protected]