Referees are an intrinsic part of the game and, with the growth in the popularity of football, particularly for women and children, the demand for match officials is increasing.

The Football Association estimates that in some areas of the country up to 20 per cent of games are played without a qualified match official.

Our goal is to recruit, train and retain referees to ensure that, in future, every game has a qualified official who receives regular training and support from an FA mentor programme and helpline.

Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA boasts over 900 referees, both male and female, who officiate games of varying standards across the region, nationally and even internationally, with Howard Webb covering the the 2010 World Cup Final between Spain and Holland in South Africa.

Interested in following Howard's footsteps?

Our dedicated Referees Development team organise and run Basic Referees Courses throughout the region. Book onto one today and take your first steps up the refereeing development ladder.

For more information email craig.grundy@sheffieldfa.com