First umpire graduates from SANFL’s multicultural academy

ENACK Ek is working towards his AFL dream after becoming the first graduate of the SANFL’s multicultural umpiring academy.

Enack Ek is the first graduate from the SANFL's multicultural umpiring academy. Picture: Calum Robertson

ENACK Ek’s dream is to umpire in the AFL.

He is taking the first steps to achieving that goal after becoming the first graduate of the SANFL’s multicultural umpiring academy.

The academy features 15 budding umpires from non-traditional football backgrounds, such as Afghani, Eritrean and Lebanese, being mentored by AFL field, boundary and goal umpires.

Ek, whose parents are Cambodian, says a passion for the game led him to umpiring.

“I’ve always loved AFL but was never good enough to make it,” Ek, of Richmond, says. “Umpiring is the next best thing.”

Since graduating, the Adelaide Crows fan has been officiating in under-9s games.

“You’ve got authority and it keeps you fit.

“I’d love to umpire in the AFL.”

The academy has had five training sessions at Pulteney Grammar since it was launched in November.

Graduates will become accredited and join an umpiring panel for the upcoming season.

SANFL umpiring recruitment officer Leigh Haussen says the academy targets high-school students.

He says some attendees had “no idea” about the sport when they joined.

“We’ve just been engaging young people across schools from different backgrounds that wouldn’t necessarily come into footy from traditional Aussie rules families,” Haussen says.

“They’re already starting to see the benefits of umpiring.”

Haussen hopes some graduates eventually progress to SANFL or AFL ranks and others will turn to umpiring for part-time work.

“If one, two or however many want to take umpiring seriously ... we would definitely give them all the encouragement and support to ensure that happens.”

Haussen says Ek has been a leader since joining.

“He’s been the star from the start.”

Contact the SANFL on 8424 2200 if interested in joining.