Three young Tasmanians have been selected to be a part of a national umpiring program.
Abbie Genders, Eleanor Bird and Makenzie Tyrell are among over 40 women and girls selected for the AFL Women in Umpiring Accelerator Program.
This program gives umpires access to a specialist coach to help them achieve umpiring success and fast-track their umpiring development.
Abbie Genders has been with the Tasmanian Football Umpires Association (TFUA) for 5 years and is thrilled to further her goal umpiring career.
“I love umpiring because it's a fast, dynamic and unpredictable. I enjoy the challenge of constantly staying on my toes and never knowing what's going to happen.
“My goal is to one day umpire an AFL Game in Tasmania and this program will help me get there.”
Eleanor Bird said she’s excited to be selected as part of the accelerator program after starting with the TFUA as a field umpire in 2022.
“The opportunity this provides means I’m closer to achieving my dream of becoming an AFL Umpire.”
Makenzie Tyrell is a part of the North West Umpires Association (NWUA) and said she found her passion for umpiring after falling into it.
“I enjoyed watching football and was told goal umpiring was a good way to get involved in the game. Then got roped into boundary umpiring and enjoyed the running aspect and have stuck at it ever since.”
AFLW Umpire Head Coach Annie White said the national initiative is dedicated to supporting and advancing women and girls in field, boundary, and goal umpiring roles.
“Each of the 47 participants is paired with an AFL-appointed mentor who provides tailored coaching and guidance. This support complements existing local and state umpiring programs, with a strong emphasis on accelerating development in alignment with the AFL Umpire Development Pathway.
“The AFL is proud to reaffirm its commitment to fostering opportunities for aspiring women and girl umpires in Tasmania and is pleased to welcome Eleanor, Makenzie, and Abbie to the program.”