[Images: Albert Perez/Football Queensland]

Football Federation Australia has announced Brisbane-based Westfield W-League Referee Lara Lee as one of two selections to receive the 2016 National Officiating Scholarship (NOS).

Run by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the NOS program focuses on the professional development of elite match officials through a series of workshops and mentoring programs.

Lee, who will be mentored by Former FIFA Women’s World Cup Referee Jacqui Hurford, joins Victorian Jonathan Barreiro in being selected for the scholarship.

She follows in the footsteps of fellow Queenslanders Jarred Gillett – a current FIFA and full-time Hyundai A-League referee – and Kate Jacewicz, who led her seventh Westfield W-League Grand Final earlier this month.

“I am hoping to develop a range of skills to improve my preparation for matches such as nutrition, mental alertness, and mental preparation,” Lee told footballaustralia.com.au.

“I’m also excited to referee at the Dallas Cup in March and get exposure to international football.”

Speaking to the official Football Federation Australia website, FFA Director of Referees Ben Wilson highlighted the success of FFA’s involvement in the NOS program over the previous 10 years.

“Twelve current Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League officials have previously been involved in the National Officiating Scholarship program which demonstrates the important role it plays in developing elite officials,” Wilson said.

“We believe the experience and opportunities that the program offers are invaluable and we look forward to our continued involvement.”

The NOS Induction Workshop will be held on the Gold Coast from 25 – 28 February.

Register now as a referee for the 2016 season at www.playfootballqld.com.au!