It’s not that long ago (2001) when official figures revealed that there were only 27,000 referees.

This is fantastic achievement, involving a close partnership, between the County Football Associations, the Referees Association and the Referees Department at The FA.

Up and down the country recruiting campaigns targeting colleges, schools and libraries, have proved hugely successful.

The Referees Department at The FA are determined to ensure that every sanctioned game of 11-a-side football is covered by a registered, fully trained and competent referee.