The Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA has teamed up with FA Refereeing to increase diversity in the referee workforce in our region.

Aspiring referees from black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds can apply for a bursary to attend an upcoming FA Referee course in Sheffield next month. 

This allows us to offer the course for £40, discounted from £130, and includes the course fee, whistle, flag, cards and notebook.

It’s part of the FA’s three-year national refereeing strategy, launched in July 2023, to diversify the refereeing pathway and to ensure the network of match officials at all levels of the game becomes better representative of the diversity we see on the pitch.

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 anyone aged 14 and over who want to referee mini soccer, 9 v 9 and/or 11 v 11 football.

The upcoming course takes place across two days in Sheffield next month.

Venue: Darnall FA, Acres Hill Lane, Darnall, Sheffield S9 4LR
Session 1:  Wednesday 5th February (18:00-21:00)
Session 2: Saturday 8th February (09:00-17:00)
Course fee: £40 

Please note that prior to attending the course all learners will be required to complete online learning on the Laws of the Game and online safeguarding training. You will need to attend both sessions and referee five games to become a qualified referee.

To express your interest please click the button below.

Click here to express your interest

If you have any questions about the bursary or the course, please contact Danny Guest at Danny.Guest@SheffieldFA.com or 07704 170918