ROAD TO ROCKHAMPTON: REFEREE BREE-ANN LO GRANDE

When the Junior State Cup gets underway in Rockhampton, it won’t be an unfamiliar feeling for touch football referee Bree-Ann Lo Grande.

The 2023 Junior State Cup will be Bree-Ann’s 11th year refereeing at the event, an incredible milestone.

The Gordonvale Touch Association referee started officiating at the Junior State Cup as a Level 2 referee. She admits the event has played a significant role in her pathway to now being a Level 6 referee.

“My parents first got me involved in touch football – my dad was playing and refereeing, and my mum was playing as well…it was very much a family sport,” Bree-Ann said.

“But it’s the people I’ve met along the way that have kept me involved for so long.

“I also love that in touch football you can do so many things – play, coach, referee and even coach referees!” she said.

Her passion for the game doesn’t stop on the sideline, with Bree-Ann just finishing as one of the inaugural participants in the QTF Women Leaders in Touch Football program.

She’s also hoping to help inspire the next generation of referees this weekend at the Junior State Cup.

“I think back to my first Junior State Cup when I was a Level 2 referee just going for a bit of fun and a new experience,” Bree-Ann said.

“Now I’m a Level 6 and I get to help mentor and work with the junior referees who are in the same position I was all those years ago.

“I don’t think I can really put it into words, it warms my heart to see the number of young kids and talent coming through,” she said.

Before they take to the fields this weekend, Bree-Ann shared her simple words of advice to the many young referees preparing to take part in their first Junior State Cup.

“Soak it in and enjoy every single moment,” Bree-Ann said.

“Yes,  we want you to have fun but also try to take away every bit of learning that you can.

“There are some really experienced referee coaches in Rockhampton this weekend, so try to take it all in and learn from the others that you are refereeing with as well.

“But most of all, have fun,” she said.