More young refs on the pitch

Saturday 31 December 2016

A team of young footballers have been trained up to provide more refs on the pitch this season.

The six teenagers aged between 14 and 16 have all completed the FA Basic Referee Training Course and have all been kitted out thanks to support from the One Foundation.

Dominic Le Fondre (16), Michael Pih (16), Jordan Le Fondre (16), Harry Walker (15), Daniel Allen (15) and Ethan Woodley (14) will all be refereeing this season after being trained up at the Jersey FA Capita Centre of Excellence which provides a three hour theory and practical session each week.

The young officials now have the opportunity to work as a team under the guidance of Jersey FA RDC Co-ordinator Paul Daniel.

Jersey FA RDC Co-ordinator Paul Daniel said: "Following the very successful pilot programme last season we followed up with the delivery of an FA Basic Referees Training Course in October. This has enabled us to expand the RDC to two groups of three officials working on alternative weeks. We have also been able to introduce a mentoring programme utilising the knowledge and experience of our referee workforce."

Jersey FA RDC Mentor Jamie Le Fondre said: "Having been involved myself last season as a recently qualified referee, I recognise the value the Referee Development Centre played in my development. The Centre provides an excellent learning environment for younger referees to develop their skills and also provides the opportunity to meet and work alongside more experienced officials." 

The Jersey FA has a four year plan to sign up 48 registered referees, providing coverage for all games on the Island and set up Jersey FA Referee Development (RDC) at the beginning of 2016. After successfully rolling out their pilot scheme earlier in the year, they teamed up with the One Foundation to fund and continue the programme for 20 weeks during the 2016-17 season.

Jersey FA Football Development Manager Brian Oliver said: "We are delighted that the One Foundation have been so supportive of our vision to provide a programme to support the next generation of referees and assistants. The One Foundation support has enabled us to cover costs which includes the provision branded referee kit for all our young officials. We are also extremely grateful to a number of experienced referees who have been so supportive of this initiative."