In a bizarre year for football, it's not just South Coast players who are excited to finally be back on the field.
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Nick Ryan is one of the many referees who officiate across Football South Coast's senior and junior leagues.
When football was forced into shutdown due to COVID-19, Ryan kept up his fitness levels with lots of cardio and high intensity training plus long distance running.
The FSC competition finally returned this month and the Bulli referee said it was great for all involved.
"I think everyone's been excited to get back into the season," he said.
"Obviously it's been a bit stop-start, but I think everyone's keen to get back to a bit of normality."
Ryan began refereeing about 12 years ago "for the money" before realising he "wouldn't make it as a player".
He has officiated in the Illawarra Premier League for the past four seasons.
"You meet plenty of people around the league who take it [refereeing] seriously and they appreciate what you do," the 24-year-old said.
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
