Football: Budding referees set for Kanga Cup

Daniel Wilkinson, left, and Greg White will be improving their knowledge in Australia.

Two young football referees from Otumoetai College will attend the Kanga Cup football tournament in Canberra, Australia.

Daniel Wilkinson and Greg White leave for Canberra tomorrow and will spend the week refereeing at the tournament as well as being involved in the Kanga Cup Referee Youth academy.

Naturally enough, both are excited about what lies ahead of them at the Kanga Cup.

It is a great opportunity to mix with other young referees and a worthwhile learning opportunity for two young match officials with serious aspirations in the game.

Wilkinson, 17, has already gained a solid amount of experience as a match official.

He attended the 2013 Kanga Cup and has also refereed at WaiBOP Federation League Division 1 level this season.

"I hope to perform well at Kanga Cup 2014," he said.

"I also want to get accredited with my Level 3 badge in the near future, as well as continue refereeing at a high level of football.

"In the future, I'm aiming to become involved with more NRFL games and then try to continue to become a Fifa referee in a few years' time."

White, 16, also attended the Kanga Cup in 2013 and is looking forward to heading back again.

"Initially I started refereeing to gain a better knowledge to help me in playing the game, but then I discovered I actually enjoyed officiating," White said.

"I'd like to thank the fellow referees in the area, especially my dad, who have always offered a massive amount of encouragement.

"Also, thanks to my family in terms of supporting me and my choices."

The Kanga Cup is the largest International Youth Football Tournament in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Kanga Cup Referee Youth Academy is an opportunity for more than 50 young referees to receive intensive coaching and mentoring, with a focus on developing referees in a tournament environment in the age group of 15 to 18.