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Nottingham Forest Community Trust has teamed up with Nottinghamshire Football Association (FA) to deliver The FA Referees’ Course, providing an exciting opportunity for young people to explore the world of football officiating.

As part of the Trust’s commitment to developing future leaders in the grassroots game, participants from the Forest Futures programme were invited to apply for a fully-funded place on the course. Delivered free of charge thanks to the support of the programme, the day-and-a-half course took place at the Forest Sports Zone and was led by experienced tutors from Nottinghamshire FA.

Over the two days, 14 young people immersed themselves in the theory and practice of officiating, gaining an understanding of what it takes to become a confident, competent grassroots referee.

 
The FA Referees’ Course introduces learners to the Laws of the Game and how to apply them effectively across both 11v11 and 9v9 formats. Combining classroom-based learning with on-the-pitch scenarios, the course focuses on key skills and knowledge areas, including:

✅ Effective communication
✅ Positioning and movement
✅ Managing penalty and free kicks
✅ Re-starts and the use of advantage
✅ Player management and dealing with foul challenges
✅ The cautioning and sending-off process
✅ Offside decisions
✅ Handling substitutions and injuries

 
The initiative forms part of the Trust’s wider efforts to offer meaningful pathways into football beyond playing, opening up opportunities in leadership, coaching and officiating.

Arron Cuttriss, Community Engagement Manager at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said:
”We’re proud to offer these experiences to our Forest Futures participants.

“For many of our young people, this is their first experience seeing football from a different perspective – taking charge, making calls under pressure, and learning how to manage players and situations with authority.

“Football isn’t just about playing and officiating is a crucial part of the game. This course not only boosts football knowledge but helps build confidence, communication and decision-making skills that go far beyond the pitch.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow in just two days, and we hope this is the beginning of a longer journey into refereeing and leadership within the sport.”