Our Referee Development Manager Lindsey Robinson will sadly be moving on as her excellent work in Football South has been recognised with promotion into the national role, having been appointed as New Zealand Football’s Referee Development Manager. Lindsey has made a huge impact in her time at Football South with the number of referees increasing significantly since she began the role back in 2018. 

As well as refereeing National League games here in Aotearoa, Lindsey refereed the 2018 FA Cup Final and has officiated at OFC tournaments since her move to New Zealand. Lindsey also worked in referee development in England where she worked as part of the FA.  

Lindsey has thoroughly enjoyed her time in charge of referees at Football South, “I have really enjoyed seeing the new and current referees develop throughout my time within the Federation.” Lindsey has placed particular emphasis on regional growth within her time at Football South, “A focus of mine has been increasing capacity around the federation, by delivering courses in Timaru, Oamaru, Cromwell, Invercargill, Gore, and Dunedin and offering support to all referees in their development.”  Another aspect of Football South that Lindsey has become an integral part of is our ‘Have a go’ days, “It was excellent to work in collaboration with colleagues to deliver ‘Have a go’ days! It’s always great to see young ones smiling as they do the exercise 'Fun with flags'.  

Whilst Lindsey is sad to leave Football South, she reflects that she will still be involved with the region, “I will miss the Football family within Football South, however it is not a goodbye, as I will still be spending time in the Federation, albeit now in a national development role.” Lindsey would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have played a part in her time at Football South, “I would like to acknowledge all my colleagues, referee family and the football community on supporting me throughout my time at Football South.”  

Lindsey is set to begin her role at New Zealand Football on August 30th and she is excited to have the opportunity to influence Referee development on a national scale, “I look forward to helping to grow this important aspect of our game on a national level.” Lindsey will work in her new role from her current base in Wanaka which is significant for our region. We wish Lindsey the very best in her new role with her departure leaving tough boots to fill.  

Article added: Monday 02 August 2021