To support football being truly a game for all, the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA have teamed up with FA Refereeing to offer a bursary to address the under representation of Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage referees across our region.

The bursary programme has been developed to support individuals who may be facing barriers to getting involved in refereeing.

We want to create a more inclusive referee workforce and will be offering the FA Referee course at £40 (instead of £120) for aspiring Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage referees.

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. 

There are many benefits to becoming a referee:

• Financial incentive: As a referee you can get paid and earn between £30 to £45 per match (course cost of £40 can be earned back after refereeing just two fixtures).
• Career prospects: Opportunity to progress through the referee pathway semi-pro and professional game.
• Fitness: Staying active whilst refereeing.
• Skill development: Teamwork, communication, management skills etc. can be learnt.

To apply for the bursary, you must click the link below and complete the form prior to booking your place on the course. Please note this form will not ask for any payment as this will be arranged later once participant numbers have been confirmed.

CLICK HERE to apply for the bursary

Course details

The course will be taking place across two days in February at Darnall FA in Sheffield.

Session 1:  Thursday 22nd February, 18:00-21:00

Session 2:  Saturday 24th February, 09:00-17:00

Venue: Darnall FA, Acres Hill Lane, Darnall, Sheffield S9 4LR

Please note that prior to attending the course you will be required to complete learning on the Laws of the Game and online safeguarding training. If you are aged 16 or over and intend to referee junior football (U18), you will need to obtain an FA DBS.

Support is available after the course to help you progress from a trainee referee to a fully qualified referee.

Further course details can be found here.

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