A CAMPAIGN to recruit more referees in Huddersfield football is gathering momentum.
Huddersfield Referees Association and the FA – at both local and county level – have linked up with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to try and attract more young people.
The initiative is running alongside the Respect Programme and Referees Report Card to try and accelerate the recruitment of 16-25 year olds into officiating – along with former players.
Initial interest is expected to pick up this week with colleges and workplaces returning to normal after the Christmas and New Year holidays.
And an information evening is planned for Friday (7pm) at Shepley Bridge Marina, Huddersfield Road, Mirfield (WF14 9HR) when anyone interested is welcome to go along.
Present will be Bobby Madley, the Football League referee who is Referee Development Officer for the West Riding County FA, David Bolger who is the Huddersfield Referees Association recruitment and retention officer and Frank Beaumont, president of Huddersfield FA.
Cliff Greenwood, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme development officer for Kirklees Council will also be on hand, along with another member of the project team, Alan Kelly of Huddersfield RA.
“The initiative is driven by the fact we need another 20 to 25 referees to staff Saturday afternoon matches and we hope the link with the Duke of Edinburgh’s will be very helpful,” said Mr Bolger.
“Staffing all matches in Huddersfield on a Saturday is something we haven’t had for quite a number of years and we want to do all we can to redress the situation.”
