​Leichhardt Saints Game Leader Program

A Unique Opportunity for Young Leaders

The Game Leader Program at Leichhardt Saints offers young players the chance to develop confidence, responsibility, and valuable life skills. Becoming a Game Leader is not just about officiating; it’s about building skills that go beyond football – like decision-making, handling challenges, and learning from mistakes.

This program is a fantastic way for young people to grow, take on new responsibilities, and make a real difference in the community.

What Does Being a Game Leader Involve?

Game Leaders (GLs) officiate games within the Leichhardt Hub of the Football Canterbury district for U6, U7, U8, U9, U10, and U11 Mixed teams on Saturday mornings at King George Park, Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt, Rozelle Parklands, Lambert Park and Algie Park as well as U12 Mixed and U8-U12 Girls games on Sunday mornings.

Game Leaders wear distinctive pink bibs, provided by Football Canterbury (FC) once they complete their training.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a Game Leader, you’ll:

• Officiate Small Sided Football (SSF) games, ensuring the game runs smoothly and fairly.
• Help guide young players who are still learning the game.
• Demonstrate the rules and give players feedback on how to play correctly.

It’s a dual role: you’ll need to enforce the rules while also being a mentor to the MiniRoos players. Patience, self-reliance, and initiative are key traits for success.

Training, Mentoring, and Parental Involvement

• Initial Training: Game Leaders will go through an orientation, during which they can watch games, discuss decisions, and learn from a trained mentor.
• Ongoing Support: Mentors will continue to support Game Leaders in the early weeks to build their confidence.
• Parental Support: A parent or carer must accompany any child 14 years old or younger during the initial training phase and may need to provide ongoing supervision beyond the training phase. Parents may also help supervise a group of Game Leaders, though coordinating this is not the club’s responsibility.

GLs will be provided with written materials outlining the rules for MiniRoos and tips on being an effective Game Leader.

Eligibility

To participate, players must:

• Be at least 10 years old as at the 1st of January 2027.
• For juniors, have a parent or carer attend training and initial games
• If you are not registered as a player or volunteer with Leichhardt Saints or APIA Leichhardt Tigers (the clubs in the Hub), please register for the free Duty Officer/Game Leader registration – PlayFootball

Parents and other volunteers can also become accredited Game Leaders. As the program progresses, other juniors (not currently registered players) may have the opportunity to join as well.

What Do Game Leaders Need?

Game Leaders must attend their games in appropriate attire, including:

• Suitable clothes and shoes for running on a sports field.
  • Most Game Leaders wear football boots, but some do wear trainers
  • The shorts MUST have pockets to be able to hold the notepad and pen.
• A small notepad and a pen or pencil for recording scores.
• A watch with a timer function.

Important Note: Phones are NOT a substitute for a watch and may not be carried on the field at any time.

Benefits for Game Leaders

To show our appreciation, Game Leaders receive:

• During Training: a free sausage on a roll and a drink from the canteen (only available at King George Park, when the canteen is open).
• Once approved, Game Leaders will also receive a game fee of $10-$25, depending on the age group. This is paid by bank transfer after the games.

The same benefits apply to parents or volunteers who are accredited and wearing the pink Game Leader vest.

How to Get Involved

If you’d like to nominate your child or another participant for the Game Leader Program, please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form below:
Fill out the EOI Form here

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at treasurer@leichhardtsaints.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.