It is fully understood that not all young people will have the skills needed to be fulfilled as players, however, there are many that if introduced young enough would gain a lot of knowledge, skills and enjoyment in participating as a match official.
Football is now played from a very young age; it is therefore a vital ingredient to introduce the role of the referee as being an option to participants within the game. This initiative will allow them to learn and develop in a semi cosseted environment and gain the confidence needed to expand into other areas of football.
The course covers such areas as
• Introducing refereeing to young people to enhance their knowledge and understanding on the Laws of Association Football.
• Engaging young people in the process of respecting the role of the match official
• Raising awareness of the benefits available throughout the existing development pathway.
• At an early age preventing barriers being raised towards match officials therefore nurturing and developing respect between the different roles in sport.
The course is flexible and adaptable to enable it to meet the needs of the young people and the school.
Oxfordshire FA recently ran a very successful pilot course in which 30+ young people aged 10/11 had 6 sessions delivered during part of the lunch break. The course was a resounding success with all the young people agreeing that it had changed their opinion of referees and some declared an interest in taking up this whistle when they reach the minimum age for refereeing of 14.
To become involved in the scheme or to find out more information then please click here