Providing our umpires with pathways to success
Eastern Ranges Umpire Academy is part of the AFL Victoria V/Line Community Umpire Talent Academy
The former AFL Victoria V/Line Umpire Academy was rejuvenated in 2020 and the previously regional only program moved to include all of Victoria including metropolitan umpire clubs. Mini academies were created and aligned to match the NAB League regions that players are recruited from.
In 2022 the Eastern Ranges Umpire Academy was formed as part of a joint program between Outer East and Eastern Football Leagues and the program is aligned to the Eastern Ranges NAB Football League. For both male and female Yarra Ranges Umpires it provides an exclusive opportunity as just 10 Field, 10 Boundary and 6 Goal Umpires from each Community Umpire Academy make the list each year.
About the new Umpire Academy Program!
Eastern Ranges Umpire Academy is focused on training and developing umpires who show an interest in pursuing a career in umpiring at higher levels over the next 1-3 years.
Umpires who participate in the Eastern Ranges Umpire Academy get access to comprehensive skills training, off-field education and match day coaching from VFL and AFL personnel.
These experiences further develop their skills and create opportunities to showcase their talents in front of VFL Talent Scouts. These scouts select from all the Umpiring Academies across Victoria and allow umpires to be identified and rewarded for their performances at community level.
Umpires who are promoted from Community Umpire Talent Academies (such as ours!) join the State League Development Squads and are appointed to matches in the NAB Girls, NAB Boys and VFLW competitions.
Keep reading below to find who represented Yarra Ranges Umpires in last year's 2022 Program!
NAB League Opportunities
Community Umpire Academies such as ours are aligned with each NAB League side Academy across the state and for us that means the Eastern Ranges Football League.
Our Umpires get involved in club training and intra-club matches, U17 boys and girl’s talent carnivals and the even the V/Line Cup!
Representing the Yarra Ranges Umpires in 2022 as part of the Eastern Ranges Umpires Academy were:
- Field Umpires: Francis Nickell, James Fenby, Lindsay Skipworth, Harrison Pinney, Keiren Lazarus, Josh Johanson, Blake Vienna and Sophie Mastaing.
- Boundary Umpires: Daniel Molino, Coby Law, Zeke Tressider, Nathaniel DeLorenzo, Dylan Priestley and Georgia Priestley.
- Goal Umpires: Alex Tomada, Connor Ahmed, Liam Winter, Sam Gebert and Tessa Simpson.