Sun rises on new umpiring hub

A NEW satellite training venue has been launched for local football umpires at the Surf Coast Suns Football Netball Club.

The initiative will aim to reduce travel barriers for umpires living on the Surf Coast and surrounding areas by offering greater accessibility and convenience for development and training needs.

It will encourage greater participation, create stronger community ties and enhance overall engagement within the umpiring network.

AFL Barwon region general manager Lisa Patterson highlighted the importance of the new facility.

“This new satellite umpire training base is a crucial step in our ongoing work to grow umpiring in the region.

“It strengthens our ability to support, develop and retain umpires by making training more accessible and aligned with the needs of our expanding community across the Surf Coast region.

“We encourage anyone aged 13 and above to get involved – there’s never been a better time to pick up the whistle.”

The Surf Coast location becomes the second satellite umpiring training venue established in the past 12 months, following the success of the Drysdale hub last year.

The Suns venue has been strategically chosen to not only support the ongoing development of existing umpires, but also to help drive recruitment and retention of new officials in the fast-growing Surf Coast/Armstrong Creek corridor.

With both areas, experiencing significant population growth, increased player participation continues to create a pressing need for more umpires and establishing accessible training options.

AFL Barwon is always looking to welcome new umpires. For more information, head to aflbarwon.com.au/umpire