The prestigeous event, which runs from July 15-21, 2024, will bring together 200 referees from 20 nations to oversee matches between nearly 190 teams representating 39 countries.
Representing Townsville and the Townsville Touch Referees Association (TTRA) are Lachlan Carey, Charlise "Charlie" Falconer, Kurtis Sankey, and Burdekin-based Michael "Mick" Littlefield.
All four referees hold the highest referee accreditation in the sport, Level 6, and are seasoned experts regularly officiating in the region's premier touch football competition, Townsville Touch Football’s Colliers Shield.
Carey at the 2024 National Touch League after being upgraded to Level 6. Photo: Kerrod Hall Carey, a Townsville native who recently attained his Level 6 accreditation at the TFA 2024 National Touch League in Coffs Harbour, NSW, is in his fourth year of studying Medicine at James Cook University (JCU).
"Representing Townsville and my country at the World Cup is a dream come true. It's been a goal that I've been working towards for years and getting to do it alongside Charlie, Kurtis, and Mick is a real priviledge that I don't take for granted."
"I've prepared for this, but it's my first international event so part of the fun is not knowing what to really expect. I'm really looking forward to getting out onto my first game and settling the nerves."
Carey, who began his refereeing career in 2015, has been coached and mentored by the TTRA's leading senior referees and has quickly risen through the ranks.
He serves as the Secretary of the TTRA and holds the same position on Townsville Junior Touch Football’s sub-committee, and has recently been accredited as a Course Facilitator and Referee Coach by Touch Football Australia so that he can help teach the next generation of touch football referees.
"The mentorship and support from the TTRA's senior referees has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today, so I really want to give back and help our younger referees reach their goals too."
"I'm eager to bring the skills I’ve honed in Townsville to the international stage."
Falconer at the 2024 National Touch League. Photo: Supplied.Falconer, originally from Gladstone, moved to Townsville in 2023 to also studying Medicine at JCU where she is now in her second year.
Originally honing her craft back home in Gladstone and then later in Brisbane, her outstanding performances at the 2023 National Touch League earned her upgrade to Level 6 and set her on the path to World Cup selection.
"I've out so much hard work and dedication into my refereeing so it was a nice reward to receive my selection letter earlier this year."
"I’m thrilled to finally represent my country and get the chance to referee the best teams in the world alongside the best referees in the world."
Both Carey and Falconer will be making their World Cup debuts, bringing their refined skills and passion for the sport to their first international matches. They are also part of TFA’s National Referee Squad Academy, receiving top-notch coaching from Australia’s best.
"The support from the Townsville community has been incredible," Falconer noted.
"We’re ready to give our best on the world stage."
Sankey (middle) with fellow Level 6 referees and serving ADF members Justin Hill (left) and Sam Whiteside (right). Photo: Supplied.For Sankey, a serving member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Nottingham marks his second World Cup selection.
He currently holds 12 international caps after his first selection for the 2019 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
"Refereeing at this level is challenging and rewarding at the same time. We work hard week-in, week-out, to prepare ourselves for this."
Testament to his skill, Sankey was among the few Level 5 referees appointed to the 2019 event, a position usually reserved for those holding a Level 6 badge.
Now a Level 6 referee, he is looking forwared to returning to the international level once again, not just for the challenge but also to catch up with the friends that he has made through the sport.
"It’s an honor to be part of this prestigious event again, obviously because we get to referee the sport at the elite level but also because we get to catch up with the friends we make right around the world."
Littlefield, in action at the National Touch League in Coffs Harbour, NSW. Photo: Supplied.Littlefield, a Burdekin local who was recently featured by the Townsville Bulletin, began his refereeing career as a social referee in 2003 before going full-time after the encouragment of former world number one referee and touch football royalty, Rick Borg.
Preparing for his third World Cup, Littlefield has been travelling to Townsville each week to referee Townsville Touch Football's Colliers Shield competition.
"Every World Cup offers new challenges and opportunities. I’m excited with every chance I get to represent our community and country and continue to grow as a referee."
Kerrod Hall, President of TTRA and Director of Referees for Townsville Touch Football, expressed immense pride in the selected referees.
"All four of them exemplify the dedication and skill that referees at the top level need. Their selection for the World Cup is really a testament to their hard work and dedication to themselves and to touch football."
"We are incredibly proud to see them represent Townsville and Australia on the world stage."
Following the World Cup, all four referees will return to Townsville to officiate the 2024 Colliers Shield Grand Finals, with all in the running for the prestigious Men’s A-Grade grand final.
As these referees head to Nottingham, the entire Townsville community stands behind them, celebrating their achievements and wishing them success.
Their participation in the 2024 FIT World Cup not only highlights their personal milestones but also underscores Townsville’s commitment to excellence in touch football.
For updates and more information about the 2024 FIT World Cup, visit www.internationaltouch.org.