A new program is helping veterans integrate back into their communities by becoming rugby league referees. 

‘Battlefields to Footy Fields’ helps veterans hone their skills and find a sense of belonging by being involved with local sport.

Steve Clark from the NRL Referees Program tells Ben Fordham the idea came about when he went to a conference in the US.

“Unfortunately, the US celebrate their veterans far greater than we do.

“Part of their culture over there is that they reintegrate them into the community through sport, by officiating at high school level sports.

“I said to my boss at the time ‘I reckon that’d work really well at home.’”

He also tells Ben about how he was brought to tears by the impact the program had on one veteran’s life. 

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

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