MCFA Young Referees Conference 2007
Middlesex FA held its inaugural Young Referees Conference on 14th July 2007 to which all officials under the age of 25 were invited to attend the event held at Ruislip High School.
The event was opened by Peter Clayton, Chief Executive of MCFA. The day then consisted of a number of practical Workshops, including Fitness awareness, where students were introduced to the benefits of a warm-up-warm-down routine by the County Fitness Co-ordinator, Isaac Jempeji. The role of an Assistant Referee was delivered by Liam Walshe and Graeme Thorley.
Judging Offsides was demonstrated by Dougie Keen and Ricky Deller. Jarnail Singh gave an insight into refereeing in the Football League, Marvin Thompson shared his experiences in his first season as a Football League Assistant Referee and Kevin Howick explained the career pathways available for young referees.
The benefits of joining the Young Referees Development Scheme (YRDS) and Academy were explained as were the next steps.
The event was co-ordinated by Andy Taylor, the Referee Development Officer. He was assisted by Wes Linden, the YRDS Manager.
Quotes from some of the attendees:
“I enjoyed the Young Referees Conference and found it very beneficial”
“Well done for all involved for a thoroughly excellent day”
“I learnt a lot about refereeing at different levels of the game”
“I now know the benefit of the YRDS”
“I know it is possible to become a premiership referee one day”
“Events like today will help me achieve my aim of refereeing at the top level”
“I can’t wait for the next one”