FFSA Referee Elder jets off to Malaysia

Emerging Football Federation SA referee Daniel Elder has been selected to officiate at the Asian Football Confederation Under 14 Festival of Football Tournament in Malaysia this month.

Elder, who departs Adelaide on Wednesday May 23 and will return on Monday June 4, is the first South Australian representative at this tournament.

The Festival of Football is used as a preparatory course for the AFC Project Future which is the AFC’s development programme for young coaches and referees (started in 2007) and has been producing high-calibre football proponents who will help the continent drive its game forward.

Elder was delighted with his appointment and is looking forward to the opportunity.

"I am very proud and excited to be attending this tournament,” he said.

“I am hopeful that it will lead me onto further programs and tournaments across Asia, and I'm very thankful for the opportunity to represent FFA and FFSA at an international level."

Elder has risen rapidly through the match official ranks in South Australia after he started refereeing just four years ago.

The 19 year-old was added to FFSA’s B Panel this year and impressed as an Assistant Referee in the 2010-11 National Youth League campaign, before progressing to a National Youth League Referee for the 2011-12 season.

Elder has also been selected for the National Youth Championships and National Secondary Schools and is currently undertaking the Level 1 Elite Referee Program.

FFSA Referee Recruitment and Development Officer Nathan Magill was full of praise for one of the SA’s most promising match officials.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Daniel to gain experience at an international level,” he said.

“It is also reward for his hard work, dedication and consistent performances at a State and National Level. At only 19 and after just four years of refereeing, it shows there is great career opportunities in becoming a match official. Daniel can be very proud of his achievements so far in his short career.”