Boundary and goal umpires were officially welcomed to their new training facilities at Windy Hill on Tuesday, 28 April, marking an important milestone after years of training at multiple venues across the city.
Umpire Talent and List Manager Adam Davis welcomed the group to the facility, highlighting the significance of the move for umpire coaching, training and overall group cohesion. Essendon Football Club representative Bernard Shepheard also addressed the umpires, expressing the Club’s enthusiasm in hosting the umpiring group and providing access to the historic ground.
The new facilities will include two internal warm-up spaces, two separate change rooms containing 48 lockers each, a fully equipped weights area and a dedicated team meeting room. Umpires also have full access to the entire ground, including lighting for evening training sessions.
While some construction works are still underway, the remaining developments are expected to be completed by the end of July. Upon completion, the field umpire group will join their boundary and goal umpiring colleagues at Windy Hill.
Special thanks are extended to Kayne Johns, Aaron Nunn, Tim Neville, Lisa Lawry (prior to her recent departure) and Bernard Shepheard, along with the Essendon Football Club, for their support in bringing this project to fruition.
