By all accounts, Maclean’s Sean McFarlane is a young man of utmost quality.
The Newcastle Permanent Referee of the Year is a gong well deserved for the well rounded, and intentioned, teenager.
The eighteen year old plays several sports but football is naturally where it’s at – and as a Level 3 referee, Sean can be in the centre for women’s 2nd Division, men’s 3rds, Under 16s and NPL matches in Coffs.
“And I still play as well – for the Maclean Bobcats reserves as a goalkeeper,” Sean said.
“I just love the game so much and I’ve always had a good mind for it.
“I like helping other people too, especially the younger referees. I actually get as much adrenaline out of reffing as I do playing.”
That special insight of being on both sides of the whistle – as an official and as a player – gives understanding.
Away from the pitch, courts, wickets and golf course – Sean is just as keen.
He completed the testing Duke of Edinburgh Awards program, where his nominated component of ‘skill’ was football officiating.
But, wait, there’s more.
“Through a group called the Antipodeans, he went to Cambodia and they took soccer gear over there (for the locals) and played games with the kids,” Tracey said.
“He’s really big on giving back – whether it’s through soccer or helping the little kids with MILO cricket.”
Photo: Sean McFarlane winning NCF Referee of the Year.
