Football Tasmania has celebrated the achievement of Tasmanian referee Lauren Hargrave who has been selected to make her international debut this evening.
Ms Hargrave will run the line as an assistant referee in tonight’s fixture between the Matildas and New Zealand.
She is the second Tasmanian to make an international footballing debut in as many weeks, following Nathaniel Atkinson’s first cap for the Socceroos against Saudi Arabia.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said Ms Hargrave’s selection was the latest in a line of many achievements for the trailblazing referee.
“On behalf of the Tasmanian football community I’d like to congratulate Lauren for her selection tonight,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“Lauren has been a trailblazer for female referees in Tasmania, officiating for over ten years in the state before taking on A-League Women’s matches after moving to Canberra.
“To be chosen to officiate the Matildas on home soil is surely a dream fixture, which she deserves wholeheartedly.
“It will be wonderful to watch Lauren on the international stage tonight, which caps off an exciting few weeks for Tasmanians following the Socceroos debut of Nathaniel Atkinson late last month.”
Mr Bulkeley encouraged Tasmanians to consider taking up refereeing to keep fit, make money and have fun.
“Referees are an integral part of football, and as Lauren has shown there are great pathways for Tasmanians to reach the highest levels of our game,”
“I’d encourage anyone interested in becoming a referee to visit www.footballfedtas.com.au to find out more.”