THE Somerset FA are hoping to attract more referees from the Taunton area with a new course which begins this Monday (October 9).

Becoming a football referee is a fantastic way of being involved in the sport and people take up refereeing for a whole variety of reasons, whether it is to continue in the game when they are no longer able to play, to help local teams, to pursue a career in the game or simply to stay active.

Somerset FA refereeing courses are aimed at anyone who has an interest in refereeing. The course itself is very practical, with the majority being done outside, while there is a smaller element of theory around the Laws of the Game.

As part of the course, candidates will go out and referee games during which they will be supported by experienced mentors from Somerset FA, who will offer support and guidance throughout the process.

Once qualified, the new referees will referee on their local leagues but will receive constant support from the County FA in a variety of forms, depending on their personal ambitions for their refereeing career.

Somerset FA are lucky enough to be able to call upon some of the top Premier League referees, as well as the top officials in the county, to help run lots training events, development sessions and workshops aimed at every level of referee.

Anyone who wishes to enrol on to a course needs to attend a pre course workshop. This gives them the chance to find out what is involved and ask any questions before signing up.

The next pre course workshop is at Taunton Vale Sports Centre on Monday, October 9 at 7:30pm.

The course itself then takes place at the same venue in November. All dates can be found on the Somerset FA website.

To book a space, people can contact Megan Buller on 01458 837033