TWO former Melrose coaches and a star of the women’s side are the latest high-profile recruits for the Border’s referees.
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Zoe Corbett, Josh Fluss and Brett McLennan have passed their exams and now have their whistles and kit.
Corbett, who is in the top-10 for the golden boot and star player award, along with the recently retired NPL1 keeper Fluss, officiated their first games at the weekend.
McLennan is expected to follow suit this Sunday.
Fluss said it was a view from the other side of the fence.
“I think between Brett and myself we have always had plenty to say to the referees and having talked about the challenge for sometime we finally decided to bite the bullet, get our ticket,” he said.
“The fact that Zoe joined us was just great.
“I think we all enjoyed the training, it certainly opened my eyes to some of the rules that have been tweaked over the years.
“We have to start at the bottom, start with junior games but I think that the experience we have playing at a senior level will see us all refereeing at a higher level sooner rather than later.”
Albury-Wodonga Soccer Referee’s Association president Colin Campbell said attracting former senior players had met with great success — 15 new referees recruited and trained this year alone.
“Following a review 18 months ago the AWSRA identified the need to attract 20 year old or older male and female players with at least two years first grade or similar playing experience to become referees,” he said.
“As part of the review we also identified the need to attract more female referees and we’re especially pleased to welcome Zoe back to our association.
“With the growth and success of women’s football in Australia it is an ideal time for Zoe to follow in the footsteps of AWSRA member, and former FIFA referee, Sheena Storrie and FIFA assistant referee Allyson Flynn, who began her career on the Border and is now in Canada at the World Cup.”
