With participation levels in the women’s and girls’ football skyrocketing, football needs more female role models in key roles within the game to inspire the next generation.

With seven percent of our current referee workforce being female, it’s clear we need more female referees to play a critical role in encouraging girls and women to get involved in football.

Whether you want to give something back to the game you love, remain involved in the game after injury or retirement, or you’re thinking about stepping over the sidelines as a parent or carer, refereeing can be extremely rewarding.

It’s great way to meet new friends, keep fit and healthy, and earn money. Refereeing can also be a potential career for those who wish to progress to the top and follow in the footsteps of Women’s Super League and Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA referee Megan Wilson.

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SHCFA Referee Megan Wilson at last year's Women's County Cup Final

To become a referee there are certain qualifications and requirements you’ll need to complete first. This being you are at least 14 years old and have completed the online Laws of the Game module and relevant safeguarding qualification.

The next step is to enrol on a course. We’re hosting a female-only referee course at Rossington Main FC in Doncaster across two days on Thursday 21st March, 6PM – 9PM, and Sunday 24th March, 9AM – 5PM. 

A female-only referee course is a great opportunity to meet our female tutors and start your refereeing journey alongside other women and girls.

Once you have become qualified, there’s a range of exciting opportunities available to you. From refereeing at recreational festivals to officiating in local leagues and cup competitions – the possibilities are endless.

Course Details

The FA Referee Course is designed to equip new referees with the key skills and knowledge they will need to be able to referee grassroots football matches safely and effectively.  It is for people aged 14 and over who want to referee mini soccer, 9 v 9 and/or 11 v 11 football.  

The course comprises online learning on the Laws of the Game and face to face training. You must complete the online learning before attending the face-to-face training. You will also need to complete online safeguarding training before attending the face-to-face training.

Course Dates

• Session 1: Thursday 21st March, 18:00-21:00
• Session 2:  Sunday 24th March, 9:00-17:00

Venue

Rossington Main FC, Oxford Street, Doncaster, DN11 0TE

Cost

The total course cost is £120. This includes a starter pack (whistle, flags, cards and notebook) valued at £30, and referee registration fees for the remainder of this season and next season worth £40. 

How To Book

Register your place by clicking here.

Book Your Place

If you have any questions regarding this course, please contact Clare Thompson at Clare.Thompson@SheffieldFA.com or 07719 028924