Referee at the Kanga Cup
Registrations open 1 April
Referees play a critical role in the facilitation and success of Kanga Cup. Kanga Cup provides an opportunity for referees as well as players to learn and develop in a fun and supportive environment.
For any referee or Game Leader, Kanga Cup is an unrivalled opportunity to develop, learn, make friends and enjoy the satisfaction of officiating at an international youth tournament. Respect for referees is paramount.
Kanga Cup referees come from all around Australia and overseas. They are joined by a dedicated team of Referee Coaches and Referee Coordinators, who work closely under a structured program developed by Capital Football’s Head of Referees in line with Football Australia’s curriculum.
For more information about refereeing please read the Referee Information Pack.
Tournament Referee
Kanga Cup is a fantastic opportunity for referees and Game Leaders to be part of one of Australia’s biggest youth football tournaments. It’s a chance to gain valuable match experience, build confidence, and develop your skills, with coaching and support provided throughout the week.
You’ll also get the opportunity to meet other match officials, share experiences, and be part of the wider Kanga Cup community.
We encourage clubs to bring qualified match officials (holding a Game Leader, Junior Football Match Official, or higher qualification) to help meet demand. Referees can travel with their team to the same venue, be assigned to matches at the start of each day, and will receive payment on a per-match basis.
Who can register as a Tournament Referee
Game Leaders and referees registered with a Member Federation or Referee Association
How to get involved
Referees and Game Leaders can register to participate in Kanga Cup by completing the Tournament Referee Registration Form.
Kanga Cup Referee Youth Academy
The Kanga Cup Referee Youth Academy (KCRYA) is a development pathway for 50 local, interstate and international referees aged 15–18. The Academy provides an intensive tournament-based experience, with expert coaching and mentoring designed to help young referees grow their skills, confidence and decision-making in a high-quality competition environment.
Who can apply
KCRYA is open to Match Officials aged 15–18 from across Australia and overseas.
You can apply if you:
Are not registered as a Match Official with Capital Football, and apply directly or are nominated by your Member Federation or Referee Association
Are a selected participant in Capital Football’s Cadet or Academy Referee Program (attendance forms part of the program)
Hold a Football Australia Level 4 to Level 2 referee qualification (or an international equivalent)
Have at least one year of refereeing experience
Member Federations and Referee Associations may run their own nomination process before submitting nominations to the Kanga Cup Organising Committee (KCOC).
Applications for 2026 have now closed.
Kanga Cup Youth Referee Academy (KCRYA) and the Australian National University Accommodation provider 2026
Play together. Stay together. Experience life on a university campus.
ANU Accommodation is proud to host the Kanga Cup Youth Referee Academy in 2026. Yukeembruk Village will provide a live-in, high performance learning experience for our match officials and looks forward to welcoming teams, officials and families to campus during the tournament.
Kanga Cup teams are invited to stay at the Australian National University, with discounted group accommodation rates available for teams booking together. Teams are encouraged to book collectively and can access a Kanga Cup group booking rate, starting from $74 per person per night for week‑long group stays.
Groups may also request access to ANU campus spaces, including a function hall for team gatherings, nearby lawns and ANU ovals for light pre‑match practice. All spaces are subject to availability and booking. Optional catering and game‑day meal packs are available at discounted group rates upon request.
Staying at ANU offers more than just a place to sleep. Teams experience real university accommodation, with trained staff on site 24/7 to support safety and respond to emergencies. This provides reassurance for parents and peace of mind for team managers.