Umpiring Pathways
As part of our push to build the best community footy club we can, we’ve created our Demon’s Umpire Pathway.
Umpiring Pathways at Lockleys
Umpiring Opportunities
It’s no secret that there is a shortage of umpires and many of us have already experienced this with only one or in some instances no umpires available for a game. Rather than see this as a problem, we’re tackling it as an opportunity to expose our juniors to umpiring and building our own pool of talented young members who can play footy and umpire.
Our vision is to introduce, support and mentor as many juniors through our own umpire pathway. Not to give up footy but add another footy bow to their capabilities.
To achieve this vision, we’ve engaged Kylan Beech as our Umpire Coordinator. Through Kylan and this program, we hope to build the numbers of juniors willing to have a go at umpiring – making them available for lower-level games and supporting them as they learn.
The pathway is open to any member, aged 12 or over who’d like to explore umpiring and take it on at a Club level.
In 2022, the first year of the pathway, we had 16 players participate and were able to field our Club umpires for all U7, U8 and U9 home games. The players loved the experience, and the pocket money was appreciated!
Want to get involved? Get in contact by clicking here.
Kylan Beech
LFC Umpires Coordinator
About Kylan Beech
My name is Kylan Beech but everyone calls me ‘Beechy’.
I’m currently in my 9th year of umpiring and am out at the SANFL doing the Under 18’s and Reserves with the hope of eventually making the AFL list. I’m extremely passionate about footy and the development of not only umpires but football players as umpires do play a big role in their careers especially through junior grades.
At the moment I have a few jobs, being Youth Minister at Nazareth, a disability support worker and assistant manager at the family run café. Although I am extremely excited to be taking on this new role, I am also disappointed with the massive shortage of league appointed umpires that is continuing to decline across Australia.
I’m extremely enthusiastic about creating new pathways for young kids who are passionate about football and would like to try umpiring, or those who might not be as passionate about playing football but still want to be involved with the game as they love it so much.
Umpiring is such a great way to be involved in the game whilst keeping fit and making some good money! Lots of young umpires also play football so you don’t have to give up playing. It’s not just about involving the kids though.
It’s about involving the whole Lockleys community including parents and friends who just want to be involved and to give back in another way. I can’t wait for the year ahead and to become a friendly face around the club! Don’t be afraid to come over and introduce yourself!
Cheers
Beechy