The McDonald’s Kanga Cup is the biggest youth football tournament in the Southern Hemisphere with over 180 teams from all around Australia and New Zealand. 2008 will also include a side from the United States and the winner of the Kanga Cup Asian Fellowship. Running for a week, the tournament is open to club, school, association or community based teams that are part of the FFA family and caters for male and female youth ranging from 10 to 18 years of age. In 2007 73 local and 49 visiting referees officiated at the Kanga Cup, including referees from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria as well as international referees from New Zealand and Botswana. Former Kanga Cup Referees include 2006 FIFA World Cup and A-League Assistant Referee Ben Wilson. Ben said about the tournament “As a FIFA assistant referee, I have found the experience gained officiating international teams and high standard matches at the Kanga Cup to be invaluable. Referee appointments to games are well organised and it is a great opportunity to meet other referees, be coached and make lasting friendships.” All currently accredited referees aged 15 to 22 are welcome to attend the Kanga Cup. Visiting referees are required to make their own travel arrangements to Canberra for the tournament but during the week all interstate and international referees receive:

• Free accommodation at the “Referee Lodge”
• All meals provided
• Transport to matches and events
• A Kanga Cup Merchandise pack
• Intensive coaching a inspections
• The chance to attend a variety of social events throughout the

The Kanga Cup is a great opportunity for referees to further develop their refereeing skills as well as have a lot of fun and make new friends. The week will begin with Kanga Cup Referee Seminar and tournament briefing followed by the Opening Ceremony. During the week you will receive coaching at the grounds around Canberra and be able to participate in the nightly de-brief sessions with the coaches. During the week there will also be many social events including the Kanga Cup Disco, movie night and the famous referee football match.Applications from referees who are interested in officiating in the 2008 McDonald's Kanga Cup tournament, are now open. A minimum age of eleven for assistant referees and fifteen or older for referees, is required for those who are interested in officiating in the McDonald's Kanga Cup tournament. Please complete the Referees Application and email it to the McDonald's Kanga Cup Referees Administrator.