Derbyshire FA, in partnership with Bolsover SSP, are delivering a Female Only Mini-Soccer Course to increase the number of female referees officiating within the county.

The course, which provides participants with an insight to the laws of the game and their practical application on the field of play, will be delivered at Shirebrook Academy, NG20 8QF.

The course dates are as follows:

• Tuesday 30th October 2018 (Introduction) 10am - 1pm 
• Wednesday 31st October 2018 (Practical Day) 9am - 3pm
• Monday 21st January 2019 (Call-Back) - 3:45pm - 5:45pm

This course allows you to start your refereeing career off in youth football, providing you valuable experience with younger players. After a period as a mini soccer referee, you do have the option to convert to an 11v11 referee by taking the shorter Mini Soccer Referee Conversion Course should you wish to, or to stay within Mini Soccer.

Ryan Haynes, Referee Development Officer at Derbyshire County FA, said, "This is fantastic starting point for girls to get into refereeing. The opportunities available in the game are always increasing. One of our officials passed their refereeing qualification in May and officiated in front of over 2000 people at Pride Park Stadium when they were an assistant referee for Derby County Ladies v Nottingham Forest Ladies last month!"

Joanna Stimpson, Women’s Refereeing Manager at The FA, said, "The FA have committed to making Women’s and Girls' football the first choice sport for girls within schools. They aim to double the number of players, spectators, coaches and referees by 2021. The recent restructure of Women’s pyramid has provided an exclusive pathway for referees to develop their leadership skills through refereeing with the ambition to work in the Professional Game. Be part of these exciting changing times…start YOUR journey here!"

To book onto the course please click here.