THE Worcestershire Football Association is addressing the shortage of referees in the county, with a recruitment campaign at the Crowngate Shopping Centre in Worcester on Saturday, August 10.

To support the campaign courses have been arranged for anyone wanting to take up the whistle, whether they have serious ambition to progress to the top, or just want to enjoy being a part of the action on the football field.

The first course is from Wednesday, August 21, for four consecutive Wednesdays lasting two hours each evening and starting at 7.30pm. Following an examination and refereeing a few games under supervision, the candidates return for a further few weeks and another examination.

An intensive two-day weekend course is being held on the weekend of August 31-September 1 followed by an examination on Friday, September 6. Registration as a referee will be completed after having refereed three games.

With the increased popularity of football for girls and ladies a "Women's Only" course has been arranged for Saturday, September 7, and Saturday, September 14, with an examination on Friday evening September 20. This should not deter interested females from attending the other courses.

All courses will be held at the headquarters of the Worcestershire Football Association, De Salis Drive, Hampton Lovatt Industrial Estate, Droitwich. Courses at other locations will be arranged during the coming season.

Interested parties should be over the age of 14 and have good eyesight! For further details contact Worcester Football Association HQ 01905 827137 (daytime) or Bill Allsopp 01299 826654 (evenings).