From the Sidelines to Centre Stage: Chelsea Leung’s Inspiring Football Journey
As part of Female Football Week, we’re shining a light on one of our rising stars in the referee community—Chelsea Leung, a young woman whose passion for the game is matched only by her drive to give back to it.
Chelsea began her refereeing journey at just 14 years old with Figtree, under the mentorship of Stuart Bell. For three years, she learned the fundamentals and developed her confidence in the game’s most challenging role. Her potential was quickly recognised, earning her a place in the Football NSW Referee Development Program (RDP) during her senior high school years. Balancing Year 11 and 12 with refereeing elite boys’ and girls’ matches wasn’t easy, but Chelsea thrived. In 2023, she was deservedly named Female RDP Referee of the Year.
That same year, she entered her first of two years in the FNSW Referee Academy, continuing to grow under the guidance of mentors like Paul Flemming, who she credits for helping her become a smarter, more proactive referee. And in 2025, her hard work and talent were recognised again when she was nominated to officiate at the Emerging Matildas Championships—a huge achievement and a testament to her dedication to the craft.
Refereeing isn’t Chelsea’s only connection to football—she’s been playing since the age of nine. Starting out as the only girl in a mixed team at Figtree, she held her own for three years before switching to the girls team at U16 level. Her grit and determination shone through again in 2023, when she was named Most Valued Player in the Figtree All Age Women’s side. Now, she’s stepped up to join the Women’s IPL Youth Grade at Coniston, during their first-ever season in the Women’s Premier League.
Off the pitch, Chelsea has also been involved in supporting the game through Summer Football staffing, always finding new ways to contribute to the sport she loves.
To Chelsea, football is more than just a game—it’s a second family.
“It provides a community where teamwork, communication, and skill come together. You find friends who love the game as much as you do.”
Being a female in a traditionally male-dominated space hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s also where Chelsea found her strength.
“Sometimes, you’re the only female on the pitch. That builds resilience. Confidence. Knowing you can be the strongest one out there.”
One of her proudest moments was stepping out onto the field in a match with three female referees—a first in her experience, and a sign of how the game is evolving.
Chelsea’s passion for refereeing was also sparked by her sister, who blazed the trail before her by playing in an all-boys team and becoming a referee herself. Inspired, Chelsea followed suit—and discovered a new perspective on the game.
“Refereeing opens your eyes. You see the entire field. You anticipate rather than react. It changes how you understand the game.”
When asked what advice she’d give to other girls considering refereeing, Chelsea’s message is clear:
“It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Refereeing teaches leadership, communication, confidence, and decision-making—skills that go beyond football. And yes, you get paid to do what you love!”
With her humour, humility, and unwavering dedication, Chelsea Leung is a shining example of what Female Football Week is all about—celebrating women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of our game.
