Having recently returned from duty at the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship in Auckland, New Zealand, Vulivuli is inspiring the next generation to get involved in football in a different way.
She started the campaign with the Southern Women’s Football referees course at the weekend, held at the Fiji Football Association headquarters in Vatuwaqa.
Twenty-five participants registered to take part, but due to the adverse weather conditions only ten turned up on the day – but that didn’t dampen spirits.
“It was just the beginner’s level where both theory and practical work was conducted,” Vulivuli says.
“The participants were from the Lami, Rewa, Nasinu and Suva areas.”
Vulivuli says with the women’s club competition at a district level, the demand for female referees in domestic competitions is on the rise.
“We want to encourage female participation in match officiating,” she says.
“Our aim is to have all female referees and officials in this year’s IDC. Since club competition is a must at the district level to qualify for the IDC, the need for female referees has grown.”
Vulivuli has an impressive resume which includes three FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cups, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011 and the 2012 London Olympics as well as numerous OFC competitions.
On the domestic scene, she became the first female referee to officiate during a men’s final when she took charge of the 2013
Battle of the Giants match between Ba and Lautoka at Govind Park in Fiji.
Vulivuli says there are plenty of similar opportunities available for female officials on both the domestic and international stages.
The next beginner’s course for interested female match officials will be held in the West in two weeks’ time.
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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