Blake Stevens is a young footballer from Katikati, who also referees. He’s been playing since he can remember, starting out at Katikati Football Club when he was around 3.

He currently plays for both his school, in the Katikati College 1st XI, and his club in the Katikati Football Club U19 team and he’s also taken up the whistle.

After casually refereeing games at his game for a couple of years, in 2024 he joined the Tauranga Youth Referee Academy. The first year academy involves weekly hour long sessions, led by Anna Harris, and included both theory and practical learning.

He says “since joining the academy I have learnt so much more that has helped me be match ready - I can be prepared and confident from before I step onto the pitch till after the match has finished.”

The trip from Katikati to Tauranga is around an hour, so he needed to commit to the travel, as well as the course itself. 

He refereed football at AIMS Games 2024 in September, and was appointed to a semi-final match.

He then attended the Weir Rose Bowl tournament referee academy in October.

He enjoyed the learning experiences at Weir Rose Bowl:  “It’s been really good to get feedback from different referee coaches over the weekend,” he said. “The review sessions we did each night were helpful – it really helped me understand how to improve quickly.” 

Blake Stevens, left, at the Weir Rose Bowl 

He is currently qualified as a level one referee, and is fitting in futsal refereeing this term along with other commitments.  Blake is a qualified Beach Lifeguard and this season is also a Junior Surf Coach. 

Blake has been working on his Duke of Edinburgh award this year. He was able to choose refereeing with the Waibop Referee Youth Academy as his major activity / skill.

He’s signed up for year two of the academy next year. Years two and three have a focus on support and mentorship for the referee journey, and review of key subjects.

Blake aims to continue his referee development and qualifications – while continuing to play football.

WaiBOP Football run Youth Referee Academies in both Hamilton and Tauranga, for youth ages 13-19. They are Free to attend (though you must register). 

2025 Youth Referee Academies (Tauranga and Hamilton)

Starting Term 2, 2025

Cost: FREE

Where: Hamilton (Sport Waikato); Tauranga (Tauranga Boys College)

When: Monday nights (Times vary)

Ages: 13-19

REGISTER on our website: https://www.waibopfootball.co.nz/youth-referee-academies

Article added: Wednesday 06 November 2024