AFL Umpires’ Head Coach Hayden Kennedy and AFL Victoria Umpiring Development Manager Neville Nash launched the “AFL Victoria Mates Umpire Mentoring and Development Program” this week in Melbourne.

The aim of the program is to bring the most promising young community umpires together with AFL Umpires and create the environment in which a “mateship” can be formed which will help the personal development and the acquisition of knowledge and skill that is required to progress to an AFL career.

There are seven AFL umpires and 17 community umpires involved in this year’s program. The AFL umpires include veteran whistle blower Shane McInerney as well as rising umpiring talent Brendan Hosking. In a nod to the success of the program, Hosking actually was previously involved as a young community umpire where his mate was current coach Kennedy.

Hosking spoke during the launch about what the program gave to him and how he is proud to give back in his role as “mate” for the young umpires from Essendon District Football League. He encouraged the umpires to tap in to the knowledge of their “mates regularly.

The program will continue throughout the season with activities that build the self-esteem and confidence of the participants and encourage them to take pride in umpiring Australian Football.

If you are interested in umpiring and you want to get in the game, visit www.getinthegame.com.au.