Rookie refs on Tower Hamlets training course

BUDDING Chris Foys and Mike Deans have been whistling through a new course on refereeing skills. During the course, organised by Tower Hamlets council, 14 rookie refs are taking a written theory examination, as well as refereeing six matches with the supp

BUDDING Chris Foys and Mike Deans have been whistling through a new course on refereeing skills.

During the course, organised by Tower Hamlets council, 14 rookie refs are taking a written theory examination, as well as refereeing six matches with the support of a mentor before qualifying for a Football Association Referees' Certificate.

The course is part of Tower Hamlets Football Partnership, which has helped increase the number of local Chartered Standard football clubs from three to 13 and welcomed the borough's first women's football club.

This year's 14 participants include one sixth-former, two women and two people who play in the Positive Mental Attitude League which uses football to help with recovery from mental health problems.

To find out more call Derek Bennett, the council's senior football development officer, on 020 7364 2681 or email derek.bennett@towerhamlets.gov.uk