Katie-Louise Patterson will become the first Football NSW female referee to officiate an IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 match as she takes charge of the round 22 match between Sydney United 58 FC v Sutherland Sharks on Sunday 17th August, 2014 at Sydney United Sports Centre.

The 24-year-old commenced her refereeing career in the Illawarra before moving off to the St George Football Association then on to the NSW State League Football Referees Branch and has officiated in the NPL Womens 1 competition as well as the Westfield W-League amongst other leagues.

Football NSW Referees Manager Kris Griffith-Jones was happy that Patterson was getting her chance to shine in NSW’s top tier football competition for men.

“Katie’s performed really well in the IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Grade 20s competition and finished up in the top five of the Westfield W-League referees which was a great achievement.

“Katie deserves her opportunity in the Mens 1 competition and I am sure she will benefit from this which will further assist and aid in her refereeing development.”

-By Mark Stavroulakis FNSW