Budding referees aged fourteen and above are being presented with a great chance to start out on the exciting road to becoming senior local matchday officials when Frome Town FC plays host to a five-session series, kicking-off in March.

The course, which continues until April 1st, entails comprehensive practical and theory tuition conducted by experienced mentors, leading up to a programme of six competitive fixtures when the fledgling refs are invited to take up the whistle and participate in bona fide action!

Somerset FA Football Development Administrator, Kieron Salmons, himself a Level Four referee, who, at the age of just 23, is licensed to oversee Toolstation Western League fixtures among other popular local competitions, explained: "Refereeing is a great way of being, quite literally, at the very centre of football matches when you're maybe not cut out for actually playing the game.

"So many people who have started out on the bottom rung, which is what this Frome course is all about, have gone on to become high-profile refs, among them our own Somerset official, Kevin Johnson, who now referees Football League games, and Lee Probert, a FIFA and Premier League official who used to live in Bridgwater and was called up to FA Cup Final duty only last season for the Hull-Arsenal match.

"However far you advance, refereeing is great fun and there is always the chance to progress through the levels – the world is your oyster when it comes to how far you can go in the game."

The five sessions commence on Wednesday, 18th March, (6.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.) and continue on Sunday, 22nd March (10 a.m.– 4.30 p.m.), Wednesday, 25th March (6.30 p.m –9 p.m.), Sunday, 29th March (10 a.m.– 4.30 p.m.) up until Wednesday, 1st April (7 p.m.–9 p.m.)

That final session, on April 1st, incorporates a test on the laws of the game, from which successful participants are awarded their first grading, a Level Nine certificate.

Those aspiring refs will then get a chance to run the rule over six local junior or adult fixtures, when they'll recoup most if not all of their course costs, before attending a 'call-back' meeting with referee tutors and personal mentors, at which point, Level Eight certificates (for fourteen and fifteen-year-olds) and Level SEven badges (for sixteens and over) can be attained.

Those awards enable officials to referee local Saturday and Sunday games on a regular basis and even run the line at County League matches. Salmons said: "There really are endless chances for would-be referees to further their standing in the game, but we don't just teach them and abandon them, far from it. Our trainee refs have the support of personal mentors, who can attend games with them in the early days and be on the end of a telephone line when required.

"There are many refereeing associations in the county too, like the Frome Referees Association, whose Chairman is Rob Hayward, a Level 5 senior county referee, which meets monthly throughout the season and is there to support and advise whenever needed."

Hayward added: "All successful participants on the course will automatically be enrolled with the Frome RA free of charge for the first year. We are looking to boost referee numbers in the area and across Somerset because without them, there are no organised football games.

"Depending on how far you go, refereeing can be a lucrative earner or offer some valuable extra cash, but most importantly, it can be hugely enjoyable, it keeps you fit and it's something which gives young people in particular valuable life and man-management skills.

"And if you're aiming for the very highest level, we have the people who can help you on your way."

Anyone wishing to book their place on the course, which takes place at Frome Town's Blindmans Brewery Stadium, Berkley Road, Frome BA11 2EH, or discover more about the itinerary, can contact Kieron Salmons on 01458 837033 or email him at [email protected]">[email protected]