SOCCER is always looking for more referees and what better place to start than in your own neighbourhood - at real grassroots level!

No football match should take place without a qualified referee and the local branch of the Referees' Association could be your first port of call if you want to find out how to begin.

The society runs a series of training programmes prior to and throughout the season, covering the Laws of the Game and also providing the opportunity for the 'trainee' to referee a match under supervision from the sidelines.

The Referees' Association was founded in 1908 and its 16,000-plus members are spread throughout the country in 350 local societies, working closely with the FA Match Officials' Association (FAMOA).

Local societies meets regularly throughout the season giving the chance for referees of all ages from the age of 14 both male and female, to swap experiences and to improve their own performance.

Benefits for members include a members' magazine; website; subsidised kit, accessories and publications; specialist insurance and a Benevolent Fund in cases of need.

There is always the need for more referees at all levels. So, to find out how to become one and/or to join your local branch of the RA, visit their website at www.footballreferee.org