Whistle blower among the best

By Gavin Staindl
LUCIEN Laverdure took up soccer refereeing nearly 10 years ago because “it was the best seat in the house”.
Now, Laverdure, 25, is no longer taking the role sitting down.
The Endeavour Hills resident has become one of Australia’s leading junior referees, taking out the Victorian referee of the year award. Last week he officiated in the final of the Victorian Premier League.
Refereeing the final was the climax of a “stepping stone” month for Laverdure, who also made his A-League debut when he oversaw a practice match between Melbourne Heart and Wellington Phoenix.
“It hasn’t all sunk in,” Laverdure said.
“It is an awesome feeling and I see all these little ‘firsts’ as a whole stepping stone for me.”
Laverdure took up the role of referee just as most high school students do – for the pocket money.
But as the captain of the senior side at his high school and a budding referee, Laverdure found he needed to make a choice.
“I couldn’t keep doing both, so I took the reins as a more serious referee and started refereeing senior matches,” Laverdure said.
“I was included into the ‘talented officials program’ four years ago and I started to do more serious games, including a few national tournaments.”
Laverdure was praised for his efforts in last week’s Victorian Premier League final that went to extra time. However, the top referee in the state knows he has competition.
On the same night as Laverdure was being presented with the referee of the year award, another Endeavour Hills referee was recognised as the ‘most developed referee of the year’.
Paschalis (Harley) Natis, 18, was lauded for his improvement over the course of the season and Laverdure knows this is the start of budding rivalry between the neighbours.
“He is a great guy and lives just around the corner from me, so we often train together,” Laverdure said.
“I’ve seen him come through the ranks and he is a good up-and-coming referee who I’ll definitely be looking out for.
“He is following in my footsteps, so I have to watch out because he might be taking my position soon.”