REFEREEING in West Devon is reported to be flourishing with many youngsters enrolling on a local training course ? and some being invited to attend the School of Excellence at Plymouth Argyle. Currently, the Devon County Football Association runs the seven week courses at the Kitto YMCA in Plymouth in September and January. There are also plans to run a weekend course at the end of the current season. A course held last year produced 28 referees of which five came from the Tavistock, Horrabridge and Princetown areas. Tom Hammond, Sam Taylor, Andrew Derbyshire, Adam Rocky and Ashley Doyle have joined Mark Evans, Rob and Mark Wallace who already officiate in the area. Mark Wallace from Princetown was also selected in 2003/4 to officiate in an international youth tournament at Keele University which included teams such as Ajax, Bolton Wanderers and Everton. Coordinator of the Referees? School of Excellence and county mentor and assessor John Simpson said that all new youth referees, aged between 14 and 17, may be selected only if they show good attitude and enthusiasm for the game. They will then officiate in all Plymouth Argyle youth football at Home Park, Harpers Park and Plymstock School with mentor support at all games. ?It?s all down to their enthusiasm. They have to train one night a week at first and two nights a week at the end of the course,? said Mr Simpson. ?There is a good career in refereeing if they want to take it seriously enough. When they referee a game of football now they can earn £10 a game. ?At grass roots level the enjoyment is what makes it. I?m sure one day we will see a referee from this area on the television.? For further information on the training courses or the School of Excellence contact John Simpson on 01822 840821.
