Celebrating Excellence: Local Referees Shine Brightly

At Mulgoa Valley Football Club, we know that the beautiful game is about more than just the players on the pitch; it is about the entire community that makes football possible. Recently, the Nepean Referees Group (NRG) shared some fantastic news that highlights the incredible talent and dedication within our local officiating ranks. Three standout referees—Alexis Johnson, Jess Pabian, and Molly Godsell—have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the sport, and their success is a massive inspiration to our own club members. Alexis Johnson has been selected for the inaugural Football Australia Referee Academy, a program designed to nurture the next generation of elite officials. Meanwhile, Jess Pabian showcased her skills at the Proctor Park Challenge, and Molly Godsell continues to break barriers, having been named Referee of the Tournament at the Girls National Youth Championships and making her debut in the NSW NPL Women’s first grade. These achievements are a testament to the pathways available for young people in our region. At Mulgoa Valley FC, we place a huge emphasis on development, from our junior squads to our own internal cadet referee programs. Seeing these three women excel at regional and national levels proves that with hard work and the right support, our local referees can reach the very top of the game. We are incredibly proud of the NRG for fostering such a high standard of officiating. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every match, whether it is a local community game or a high-stakes tournament, is handled with professionalism and integrity. We encourage all our players, coaches, and supporters to join us in celebrating these fantastic role models. If you have ever considered picking up the whistle, let the success of Alexis, Jess, and Molly be the motivation you need to get involved. Our club is always looking to support the next generation of match officials who keep our game moving forward. Congratulations to these three stars—we cannot wait to see what you achieve next!