The Perth Football League is proud to work in conjunction with WA Football to promote the Community Accelerator Program (CAP), a strategic initiative designed to support and develop up-and-coming community umpires through an immersive and structured experience. The CAP is tailored to equip ambitious junior umpires with the training, skills, and mentorship they need to excel within the PFL and ultimately connect with state-level talent programs.

This program provides a legitimate pathway opportunity for young, aspiring umpires to get to state-level development squads and accelerating their development.

Through the CAP, young umpires join the Perth Football League Umpiring Panel, participating in weekly training sessions and officiating games. Additionally, they benefit from monthly extension sessions that provide focused training in both technical and personal development aspects of umpiring. Jack Crawshaw, PFL’s Umpiring Specialist, shares his enthusiasm for the program: “CAP is a game-changer for young umpires. By combining on-field experience with continuous feedback and mentorship, we’re setting them up for long-term success in umpiring and providing them with the tools to thrive.”

For aspiring umpires like Lilly Spocter, the program has already made a significant impact. With three years of experience in umpiring, Spocter was thrilled to join CAP, where she has grown her skills with the help of seasoned mentors and training sessions. “The CAP program has given me the chance to work with some incredibly knowledgeable people who’ve been generous with their experience,” she shares. “I love the game, and the opportunity to umpire at a senior level has been both challenging and rewarding.”

Lilly Spocter umpiring the 2024 Toyota A Reserves Women's Grand Final

Another rising star within the program, Jack Coutinho, brings four years of experience to the field and has already received multiple accolades in his umpiring career. For him, the CAP’s structured approach to development has been invaluable. “The CAP is an excellent opportunity for us to grow as umpires and refine our skills with the guidance of mentors who have a wealth of experience,” Coutinho remarks. “It’s an exciting program, and the further training and feedback we receive make a huge difference.”

Jack Coutinho umpiring the 2024 EGT Drew Banfield Colts Grand Final

The Community Accelerator Program’s emphasis on mentorship, regular training and integration with Umpiring WA’s talent identification initiatives offers a strong foundation for umpires to progress confidently into higher levels. Both Spocter and Coutinho express excitement for the season ahead and the continued growth CAP will bring to their umpiring journeys.

Community Umpires who are interested can get more info here: https://perthfootball.com.au/umpires/community-accelerator-program