Refs crisis hits youth league (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Refs crisis hits youth league

THE growing popularity of the North Wilts Youth & Minors Football League is proving to be a major headache for the organisation's referees' secretary Kevin Stump.

With nearly 300 teams having entered the league this season, Stump has to try to find more than 80 referees each Sunday.

He said: "I have written to all referees in the county and have had only nine offer their services.

"I am not looking forward to telling 142 teams each week that they do not have a referee.

"I am not sure what puts referees off youth football.

"I came back out of retirement last season just to referee in this league and I really enjoyed it.''

He added: "Referees will find most of the games are competitive, fast and the quality of the football is good, plus there is a good atmosphere at most games with the supporters on the touchline.

Last season the league trialed on behalf of the FA the Priority Club Scheme, which helped the league identify where they had problems with clubs.

Stump said: "What is pleasing to report is that we had a very positive reaction from the clubs to this scheme, and when we did take action against a club they responded positively.

"Hopefully referees can see that as a league we are doing all we can to make the games an enjoyable time for all involved."

The North Wilts league will also be playing representative games against other local leagues including Oxford, Witney and North Berks.

There will be around 50 home games to be played during the season, and hopefully these will be played again at Supermarine's Ground and officials will be required for these games.

Stump said: " I refereed a couple of these games myself last season and can tell you they were great fun to referee, fast, competitive and a very high standard of football.

"I can see why scouts from Swindon, Reading and Oxford watch these games, there are some very good players out there waiting to be picked up."

The highlight of the league season is the cup final weekend, which hopefully will be held at the County Ground again.

Any referee interested in officiating in the league should contact either Kevin Stump on 01793 704336 or Kevan Williams on 01793 702820.