PGMO delivered the latest Breaking Barriers in the Community event, in partnership with The Albion Foundation at their headquarters in Birmingham.
The event brought together young people from across the city for an immersive introduction to officiating. Designed to inspire, educate and challenge perceptions, the day gave participants direct access to match officials from across the game, helping to provide insight into the demands and opportunities within the role.
The programme combined a panel discussion and Q&A with interactive workshops and on-pitch activities. Participants tested their decision-making in realistic game scenarios, experiencing first-hand the pressures and responsibilities of officiating.
Four officials shared their journeys into the game, highlighting the diversity of backgrounds in refereeing and reinforcing that there is no single pathway. Sessions were led by EFL referee Will Finnie, former professional player Carl Baker, now progressing through the Player to Match Official programme and WSL2 officials Aaron Ford and Hannah Gardner.
The impact of the day was clear. Following the event, 92% of attendees said they would consider becoming a match official, while 84% said it had changed their perception of officiating, most commonly citing a greater understanding of the role and its demands.
Louis Jones, from The Albion Foundation, said: “It’s been a really good eye opener for the children, as well as myself as a coach, to understand how referees operate. This event has opened their eyes to what they may want to do in the future.”
The event also created a clear next step for participants, with Birmingham County FA committing to deliver a dedicated refereeing course, providing a direct pathway from engagement into qualification.
For more information on refereeing qualifications and pathways, visit englandfootball.com.
