THREE of the Western Region Football League’s most promising young field umpires will this season have the chance to work with some of the AFL’s best umpires.
As part of the 2016 Mates Program, Nicholas van Schoten, Michael Gurrie and Murray Osborne will work with AFL umpire Troy Pannell.
Now in its 11th year the program aims to encourage the development of young umpires from across metropolitan Melbourne, by giving them a taste of what is expected of an elite level umpire.
Over the course of the season, Pannell will speak regularly with van Schoten, Gurrie and Osborne about the different aspects of the game.
AFL coach Hayden Kennedy said the initiative was a great opportunity for both junior and senior umpires.
“I had the opportunity to be involved in this mentor program a few years ago and it’s a great experience to be a part of,” he said.
“It’s a unique opportunity for our AFL umpires to give back to the community and become a mentor to others, so I’d encourage all young umpires involved in the program to speak to their mates and utilise the wealth of knowledge available to hopefully inspire them to take their umpiring to the next level.”
Last Modified on 13/04/2016 16:35