The Fourth Official in Friday night’s PS4 WNPL South Australia Grand Final, Maddison Kennedy, has achieved several feats this season – including a recent trip to the Maldives as part of the AFC Project Future Referees.

The Project, which featured 10 referees from nine Member Federations, involved development training sessions under the tutelage of some our region’s best Match Official Instructors.

There was also the opportunity to officiate in the FAM (Football Association of the Maldives) Dhivehi Premier League, FA Cup and U21 Youth Championship.

Maddi believes her overseas trip was well worth the journey.

“It was such a great learning experience,” she said.

“We were instructed and assessed by some of the best instructors in the AFC which gave me a lot of great feedback and ideas to continue working on home in Australia.”

The week-long course featured a mix of practical and theory-based sessions.

“Games were scheduled almost everyday,” said Maddi.

“I refereed one match, was Assistant Referee in another and was also Fourth Official for three matches.”

“In addition to this, we had a couple of practical training sessions and spent every morning in the classroom focussing on theory and match debriefing.

Two of the three women from the nine Member Federations who traveled to the Maldives were Australian Match Officials, which is indication that referee training within our nation is on the right track.

With her referee career now in its sixth year, its clear Maddi is making the most of her sound education.

“I have really enjoyed refereeing Senior Football over the past couple of seasons and I want to continue to push myself in senior games and work towards some NPL exposure as well,” said Maddi.

An appointment as the Match Official for the 2016 PlayStation National Premier League Reserves Grand Final at Coopers Stadium just a fortnight ago suggests Maddi will reach that short-term target.

Though when looking further into the crystal ball, another of Maddi’s achievements this season will put her on the national stage this summer.

“I’m looking forward to being involved as a Fourth Official this season in the Westfield W-League while working towards becoming a referee for the 2017-18 Season,” said Maddi.

It is also clear that Maddi eventually sees herself officiating internationally one day.

“My ultimate goal is to become a Westfield W-League Referee and eventually a FIFA referee and be a part of international tournaments and games.

Maddi’s appointment as a Fourth Official for the upcoming Westfield W-League season is just one of several selections as part of a strong South Australia contingent on the 2016-17 National Panels. See all of Match Officials who were chosen HERE.

Written by Luke Sale

Photo by Adam Butler