Referees Max Arntsen and Lucas Thompson spent a week at the Kanga Referee Youth Academy (KRYA) in Canberra, Australia.

Lucas (19) and Max (17) have both come through the Hamilton Referee Academy run in collaboration with Hamilton Boys' High School - Max is a current student at HBHS while Lucas is at Waikato University.

Anna Harris, who leads the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) Youth Referee Academy in Tauranga and Rotorua, attended the Kanga Cup for the first time as a referee coach.

Lucas was appointed to referee the U15 Boys Open Plate, and Max was the Assistant Referee for the U14 Boys Open Cup.

We asked them about their experience:

Max
What was your overall impression of your week in the KYRA (Kanga Referee Academy)?

It was a great experience and all young referees in the Waikato should aspire to be a part of it one day. You learn so much from the coaches as well as presenters and all their experience can really help you to develop as a referee. 

Tell me about your highlight(s) of the week?

Getting the support and coaching from the coaches when I did something well, as well as some of their feedback.

What was something you learned that was unexpected?

I didn’t expect to experience this level of coaching, and also the amount of different things that people use to stay concentrated or sharp while refereeing.  

Lucas

What was your overall impression of your week?

It was an awesome time to upskill through watching others, videos and feedback from coaches. The key message I took was to focus on getting the basics right to use as your platform to build on.

Tell me about your highlight(s) of the week?

Hanging out with other Referees and seeing others go about their work and being able to officiate a final

What was something you learned, or experienced, that was maybe unexpected?

I was given a couple of coaching points that were either different to what I had been taught or things I had not considered for particular scenarios.

I also was not expecting to see kangaroos. You would just look up and boom one would appear.

To younger referees who might get this opportunity in the future.

Be coachable, take all the feedback on board. Ask if you're not getting something you're after. If you have an assessor or other official who would be able to give you their thoughts, make it known before a match what you want to improve or check that you have improved in an area you’re focusing on. 

Anna (Referee Coach)

What was your overall impression of your week?

My experience at the Kanga Cup as part of the KYRA program was truly unforgettable. The organisers did an outstanding job in creating a supportive and professional environment for all youth referees. From the seminars and recovery sessions to the accommodation at the Athlete Village in Canberra, every aspect was well thought out and designed to help us grow both on and off the pitch. The coaching and mentoring team were amazing their passion, knowledge, and encouragement really came through during the week. It was inspiring to see each referee develop in confidence, skill, and self-awareness as the days progressed.

Tell me about your highlight(s) of the week.

One of the biggest highlights for me was seeing genuine friendships form between referees from different regions. We arrived as individuals and left as a connected group. Another standout moment was watching youth referees take feedback on board and then immediately apply it in their next game, that mindset of growth and openness was incredible to see. Personally, being part of a team that cared about each other's success.

What was something you learned, or experienced, that was maybe unexpected?

What surprised me most was how much we all grew in such a short amount of time not just technically as referees, but in leadership, resilience, and teamwork. It was a great reminder that refereeing is not just about blowing the whistle it's about preparation, reflection, and constant development.

To any young referee considering this opportunity should go for it. Say yes, show up with an open mind, be ready to learn, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The friendships, support, and life lessons you’ll take away are just as important as the on-field experience. 
 

Article added: Thursday 31 July 2025