It is the ambition of every football lover to take part in the final of a major football tournament - but for most that dream will never be realised.

However there is always one person on the pitch who doesn't possess the skills of a world class footballer but still plays a vital role - the referee.

The FA have recently launched an initiative to recruit 10,000 new referees each year. This could be your ticket to World Cup glory.

It takes time to become on of the best, so The FA are particularly keen to recruit people between the ages of 18 and 25.

To get involved you first need to register with your local County Football Association. You can then attend ten classroom based training sessions to sharpen your refereeing knowledge.

If you pass the written and oral exams and are over 16 you'll be a Level 7 ref and able to unleash your skills on the refined world of local amateur football.

It may seem a long way to the Stade de France but from here promotion can come quickly.

After a year in park football you will be eligible for promotion to Level 6 from where further training and tests, followed by 20 assessed games, could see you push up to Level 5.

You'll then be progressing into the semi professional leagues where continued assessment gives you the opportunity to make it all the way to level 1 status and the glamour ties of the Premiership.

To maintain this status top-quality referees need to keep a high level of fitness. Before each season referees are given a fitness and eye test to make sure they can see what's going on and handle the speed of today's game.

This is vital in a sport that is increasing in pace and intensity. Being able to keep up with play and justify your decisions to the players will gain their respect and save you from a rowdy spectator reception whether you're at St. James' park or the local park.

To help referees maintain their fitness The FA run 120 groups across the country that regularly meet under the guidance of a fitness training leader. So not only will you get to meet some of your playing idols you'll also be able to keep up with them.

Even if you choose not to follow the path to the top of the refereeing ladder, getting out on the pitch every weekend will give you the exercise needed to stay fit and healthy.

You will also be contributing to the development of the game's future stars. Currently 20% of games are played without a qualified referee. The authority an FA trained official has will protect young players and give matches added credibility.

So if you fancy keeping the fouls out of football or blowing a whistle at Wembley contact your local association or view County FA courses.

The FA is responsible for the governance and development of football in England, and core to its work is the belief that everyone should have the chance to be involved in the national game.

In 2001, The FA launched a five-year Football Development Strategy to develop our national game, seeking to shape and develop innovative programmes to support and develop young people, teachers, coaches, leaders and parents.

The FA also recognises that sedentary lifestyles and obesity are a problem for this country, and is committed to working with the government and other partners to promote healthy lifestyles, and to use the power of football to achieve this wherever possible.

GET INVOLVED - Your guide on how to play your part
Date Article
02 August Get Involved in... Coaching
03 August Coaching Feature: Les Gets Involved
04 August Get Involved in... Refereeing
05 August Refereeing Feature
06 August Get Involved in... Playing
09 August Playing Feature
10 August Get Involved in... Volunteering
11 August Volunteering Feature
12 August Get Involved in... Women's
13 August Women's Feature
16 August Get Involved in... Administration
17 August Administration Feature
18 August Get Involved in... Science
19 August Science Feature