One of the main branches of the new structure at the Refereeing Centre is the Grassroots Unit with the aim to mentor, support and prepare young match officials in their first months and years of their refereeing career. Many have joined the Grassroots segment after successfully completing a two-year course at the Referees’ Academy.
The first specialised training session for them was held last Thursday 25th Augustat the Centenary Stadium, which focused on running technique and practical exercises on concentration. This well-attended session highlighted the importance of maximum concentration during the match in order to better the decisions taken on the field of play. Further specialised sessions will be held periodically during the season. The session was coordinated by Andrè Arciola, Head Grassroots Unit, Adrian Azzopardi, Head National Unit and Ronald Zammit, Referees’ Fitness Coach. Those interested in enrolling themselves for this season’s Referees’ Academy held on Saturday mornings or would like to attend an evening refereeing course are kindly requested to contacted Paul Caruana, Head Recruitment & Retention Unit, by sending an email on referees@mfa.com.mt