Two NSW State League Football Referees and Football NSW Match Officials, Mr Steve LUCAS and Ms Peta McCALLUM, have been chosen by AFC (Asian Football Confederation) to participate in the second (final) phase of selection for "Project Future".

Project Future is an AFC initiative aimed at selecting the most promising young match officials from within the Confederation and preparing them possible international honours as their careers develop.

Last Sunday 25th July at Cromer Park saw the first stage of an exchange program between New South Wales and New Zealand football referees. Two referees from New Zealand covered the U20s and 1st grade match between Manly United FC and Sutherland Sharks.  They were joined by assistant referees Adam Coombes and Thomas Lee with Robert Colombo assessing.

The referees on the day were Jonathon Price, who officiates as an assistant on the New Zealand National League, covering the U20s and Chris Kerr, who referees at National League level, covering 1st grade.

Stephen Lucas, well known New South Wales State League Referee, was selected as the best referee of the Malaysian AFC tournament and was appointed to referee the grand final.

This means that he goes to the next development stage within AFC.

The other Aussie at the tournament got through as well. He was 4th official on the Grand Final match with Stephen.

Well done Stephen and well earned!