LOCAL soccer referee, Courtney Van Diesen, is dreaming of one day of taking control of a match on the biggest stage, the FIFA World Cup.

The former Heywood local has enjoyed several accolades recently for her performances on the national stage after overseeing the National Championships Under-16 Girls Grand Final at Coffs Harbour, leading to her being awarded the Young Female Official of the Year award by Football Victoria.

At only 23, the young official has been making every post a winner in her refereeing career after picking up the whistle back in 2014 while playing in the old Western Border League (now the Limestone Coast Football Association).

Soon after, she was selected in the South Australia Country team and noticed an ad for a referee course.

Van Diesen progressed through the local scene quickly and when she moved to Bendigo for university in 2017, she approached Football Victoria to become involved with its officials programme and from there her career has taken off.

She joined the Football Victoria Referee Academy, helping her hone her skills both on and off the pitch and led her through to taking charge of National Premier League Under-21 matches.

Recently, Van Diesen made her debut in the Women’s National Premier League competition this past season.

From the level she is at now, Van Diesen can advance through to the Women’s A League, the Asian Football Confederation and finally gain her FIFA badge, which will allow her to take charge in international matches and the World Cup.

“My ambition is to take my career through to the highest level possible, so of course I would like to be at a World Cup,” Van Diesen said.

“It was a surprise to be awarded the Young Official of the Year trophy, but it’s nice to know that your efforts are being noticed.

“As I progress, the next stage is a Women’s A League match, but I was selected as an assistant referee for the Victorian Nike Cup Final and as reserve assistant referee for the Women’s National Premier League Final this season.”

Like all true football followers, she is eagerly awaiting the Women’s World Cup in 2023, which will be staged in Australia for the first time.

“As much as I want Australia to win it, I think the United States of America and England are the pre-tournament favourites, especially with their form these last couple of years,” Van Diesen said.

“As I said, my ambition is to referee a World Cup but next year is not a reality for me but who knows what the future holds.”

Now based in Geelong, she travels to Melbourne and surrounds each weekend for games and any training she undertakes with Football Victoria in pursuit of her dream.