26.02.2010

Two Football West referees have been selected for the 2010 FFA National Junior Championships for Boys, to be held in Canberra from April 6-10.

The national tournament will be a first for 16 year old Matthew Southern (Swan View), with this being his first shot at refereeing on a national stage. The talented youngster has been refereeing for only three seasons, finishing an impressive 2009 season by running the line at his maiden State Premier League match in Round 22 of the 2009 season.

As one of WA's leading officials, Mathew Cheeseman, 24 of Riverton, is no stranger to the National Junior Championships, refereeing at four of the previous tournaments. Now a respected State Premier League referee and member of the Hyundai A-League Assistant Referee Panel, Cheeseman will be travelling to Canberra as a Referee Coach.

Football West Referee Development Manager, Edward M. Lennie OAM, is pleased with both referees selected.

"It will be a great experience for both of them to travel to the Championships in their different roles, both are talented referees and well worthy of their selection."

"It is especially pleasing to see someone like Matthew (Southern) be selected as a referee, as it shows to our young officials that if you put in the hard work and dedication, the rewards are there."

Football West congratulates both referees on their selection, and wishes them the best of luck at the tournament. For more information about refereeing in WA, or on how to become a referee, see the Referee's section of the Football West website.