FIFA ‘Catch Them Young’ referees programme continues
The FIFA Catch Them Young Referees programme continued on Days 2 and 3 at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, with participants taking part in both theoretical and practical sessions designed to strengthen their knowledge, confidence, and technical understanding of refereeing.
Held under the FIFA Women’s Development initiative, the programme aims to equip young female referees with the professional skills, values, and exposure needed to excel in officiating and contribute to the sustainable growth of women’s football in Ghana.
During classroom sessions, Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, the GFA Women’s Football Development Manager, led participants through the GFA Women’s Football Strategy, outlining its vision, mission, and six strategic pillars. She placed particular emphasis on League Development, Education, Grassroots Football, Marketing, and Visibility, encouraging the referees to view themselves as vital contributors to the holistic advancement of women’s football in Ghana.
She also shared pathways and success stories within the women’s game to inspire participants to aim higher in their refereeing careers.
Barbara Yankah from the GFA Women’s Competitions Department provided an overview of the structure of women’s football competitions in Ghana, detailing the Women’s Premier League, the Division One League, and the upcoming U15 Girls’ Regional Colts Leagues.
The sessions included an important presentation on safeguarding and ethics by Bernice Bempah, the GFA Safeguarding Officer. She explained the Code of Ethics of the GFA, CAF, and FIFA, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safeguarding principles before, during, and after games.
Bempah noted that safeguarding comprises policies and frameworks designed to protect young players and referees from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, while promoting a culture of safety, respect, and ethical conduct across all levels of Ghanaian football. She also outlined the GFA’s commitment to creating safe environments, identifying potential risks, and upholding integrity through continuous education and awareness.
On the field, Louisa Amanor, the GFA/CAF Referees Physical Instructor, led participants through technical and physical training sessions, covering the Laws of the Game, recent amendments, and key refereeing skills such as positioning, reading tactical fouls, managing offside situations, and proper use of the substitution board.
Day 3 of training was led by Millicent Kanor, who guided the young referees through practical warm-up routines and match officiating techniques.
Participants then officiated live matches at the ongoing Elite U15 Girls Championship in Prampram, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a competitive setting.
