KENDAL REFS OFFERED WORLD CUP CHANCE
The chance to referee with top officials like Peter Walton and Mark Clattenburg – and the chance to test yourself in the 6 a side World Cup – are just two of the things on offer to new officials who sign up to officiate in a Kendal league.
Leisure Leagues, who operate the competitions at Kendal Rugby Club on Sunday are offering local people opportunities if they sign up to their referee’s induction nights.
Leisure Leagues Area Manager Greg Allen explained the pathway that was being offered: “Our match officials are right at the centre of all we do, and we love to see everyone reaching the top and going from the local 3G to the 6 a side World Cup.”
Leisure Leagues are able to offer this opportunity because of their role at the helm of the ISF – the Governing Body for the world small sided football game – as Greg added: “Many of our referees have had the chance to go to the 6 a side Champions League, others have gone to Pakistan and took control of games involving the likes of Ronaldinho and Michael Owen. We are proud to be able to do this.”
The firm – with over 1m players on five continents – have Mark Clattenburg as one of their global ambassadors, and the former Premier League and Champions League final referee regularly appears at leagues and conducts training with Match Officials.
Leisure Leagues have also taken the lead on cutting down on dissent, with all players required to stay two metres from referees, as Greg commented: “It was something we’d discussed for a long time, and bringing the leagues back after the pandemic saw it brought in. It has worked brilliantly and is now in place throughout the network.”
Leisure Leagues competitions are all cashless – meaning referees do not have the hassle of collecting match fees, with Greg adding: “The job should just be about refereeing, doing something for the community to improve the mental and physical health of local people. It’s fantastic.”
All equipment is provided and you do not have to have refereed before. “Many of our officials are coaches, or football enthusiasts who want to help their local area,” said Greg.
To register as a referee, click here: https://www.leisureleagues.net/become-a-referee/?ref_c=FCGX9iBhHWq4