Football Australia has been awarded a landmark investment in the development and retention of female referees, made possible through funding from the Australian Government’s $200 million Play Our Way Grant.
The grant will implement new nationwide initiatives to recruit and retain women and girls in officiating roles. Retention has been a key challenge in officiating, with many women and girls leaving due to safety concerns, limited support, or restricted pathways.
Recently, Football Australia conducted a pilot survey with Football West to better understand the experiences of female referees, informing the development of this national program. The initiative is built around four key pillars:
Psychological Safety Survey – capturing the lived experiences and challenges of referees nation-wide with a specific focus on barriers that face our female referees.
Education and upskilling – deliver workshops across Member Federations to promote inclusive leadership and continuous learning.
Mentoring Program – working with the Australian Sports Commission to create a structured, female-led framework to guide referees throughout their journey.
Ambassador Program – showcase our elite female officials to raise visibility and inspire the next generation of women officials.
Carlee Millikin, Football Australia’s General Manager of Women’s Football, emphasised the importance of tackling the barriers that often prevent women from remaining in officiating roles.
“This grant allows us to address the key barriers that prevent women and girls from staying in the game as referees. By focusing on safety, support, and visibility, we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable future in officiating. It’s not just about retention - it’s about building a culture where women thrive.”
Football Australia’s Head of Referees, Jon Moss said the initiative will strengthen the game at every level.
“Our referee community is stronger when it reflects the diversity of our game. This funding will allow us to enhance support for our female match officials - especially at the grassroots level - ensuring they feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow in their roles.”
The Play Our Way program is a key Australian Government initiative designed to ensure women and girls can participate in sport safely, fairly, and on their own terms. For Football Australia, the grant builds on a range of gender equity initiatives already in place, including the Club Changer program.
By combining visibility, education, and meaningful support systems, Football Australia is working to foster a culture of respect, belonging, and opportunity for all referees, on and off the field.
Keep an eye on the Football Australia website and social media accounts in the coming week for the release of the National Referee Survey.
