David Elleray launched the new season for the Suffolk FA Referee Academy as it looks to build on a successful year and further advance the development of referees.

The new academy season will be built on many of the good practices observed during the recent exchanges to Denmark and Liverpool, including a Continuous In-Service Development Programme. The new academy will boast classroom theory and practical work, DVD analysis of matches and the chance for the budding referees to receive tips from top-flight match officials.

It is a far cry from when Mr Elleray first started refereeing aged just 13 to earn extra pocket money. When he addressed the packed conference room, he said he did not receive any coaching until he began refereeing in the Football League at 31-years-old in 1983.

He praised the importance of referee academies and the work The FA is carrying out in helping to raise standards among referees when he spoke at the event in Ipswich earlier this week. 

Colin Hills, Suffolk FA Referee Development Manager, said: “It was a privilege that someone of such renown as David Elleray, who has recently been involved in the organisation of the recent European Championship Finals, was able to take time out of his busy schedule to launch the new season for the Suffolk FA Referee Academy.

“It is great that our aspiring referees from Suffolk were able to get some tips from such an established figure in refereeing. Hopefully, one of the referees from the Academy can follow in his footsteps.”

The coming season will include a further exchange with the Liverpool Academy referees and a Coach Development Programme designed to provide the Academy coaching team with the skills required to best support referees.

There will be 18 coaches monitoring the progression of the 40 or so referees at the Academy next season, which begins in September.

There are still a few places remaining at the Academy. If you are interested, please contact Colin Hills, Suffolk FA Referee Development Manager, by calling either 01449 776310 / 07887 881262 or by e-mailing colin.hills@suffolkfa.com