Port Macquarie 18-year old’s Charles Adnum and Matt Lees will be in control of fixtures on Saturday.

In Kempsey at Eden Street, Kempsey Saints will host Port Saints while in Port Macquarie, Port United and Wauchope will do battle at Dixie Park.

FMNC referee assistant coach Rodney Dobson said both young men were dedicated, talented you referees.

“They have been role models for other aspiring Premier League referees for several years now, having come through the ranks officiating at all levels from small sided games through to first grade,” he said.

“Their willingness to take advice and work hard on all aspects of officiating is a credit to them both.

“No doubt their fine example will be followed by numerous other junior referees over the coming seasons.”

Adnum, who started officiating in 2015 has been a regular in control of reserve grade games this season after breaking into the Premier League last year as an assistant referee.

He completed his Level Four Referee Certificate in Wauchope in 2015 when he then joined the FMNC referees ranks.

Lees began officiating in 2014 and completed his Level 4 Referee Certificate at the same time as Adnum, but in Port Macquarie.

He officiated with Hastings Macleay referees before signing up with FMNC referees in 2015.

Starting out at the age of 13, he began doing Miniroos matches at Tuffins Lane whilst also playing football himself and being a ball boy at Premier League fixtures.

He first officiated Premier League in 2016 as a regular assistant referee before being the centre official in reserve grade during the 2017 season.

A strong season culminated in him taking charge of last year’s reserve grade grand final.

Last season, Lees also did one first grade game, ironically, the same fixture that he will take charge of on Saturday in Port Macquarie.

FMNC club and referee development officer Justin McIntyre said “it was great to see Matt and Charles coming through the ranks and doing so well.”

“Both are good young fellas who have earned their shot at first grade.

“They’ll both do well and hopefully result in several other good young referees looking to do the same in coming seasons.”

This weekend is also Silent Saturday, an initiative from Northern NSW Football.

The message to all coaches, parents and spectators who will be attending ALDI MiniRoos (U6-U11’s) matches on the day is to encourage you all to “Keep Quiet” and “Just let the kids play”.

This initiative is aimed at just letting the kids play and to have fun without having to worry about how their performance is affecting the adults on the sidelines.

This message is especially important with regards to instructing referees or game leaders who are still learning the game themselves and are potentially our referees of the future.