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Have you ever thought about becoming a referee? Click here!

 

The Gibraltar Football Association is inviting young people aged 13 years and above to enrol on the Grassroots Referee Foundation Course, taking place from Tuesday 18th to Thursday 20th August 2026.

 

Whether you're a current player or simply have a passion for football, this is your opportunity to learn a new role within the game, develop valuable life skills and become part of Gibraltar's next generation of match officials.

 

Course Details

 

Dates: Tuesday 18th – Thursday 20th August 2026

Time: 09:00 – 12:00 daily

Venue: Europa Point Stadium

Course Fee: £50

Refreshments: Provided each day

 

Why Become a Referee?

 

Stay involved in football

 

Refereeing is a fantastic way to remain part of the game you love and make a real difference to football in Gibraltar.

 

You can play and referee

 

Already play for a club? No problem!

 

You can continue playing football while also becoming a referee. The only restriction is that you won't officiate in the same competition in which you play.

 

Earn money

 

Refereeing gives you the opportunity to earn money whilst enjoying football. It's a rewarding way to spend your weekends and gain valuable work experience at the same time.

 

Learn the game

 

Gain a greater understanding of the Laws of the Game and improve your decision-making, communication and overall football knowledge—skills that can also benefit you as a player.

 

Develop important life skills

 

Refereeing helps build confidence and teaches valuable skills that will benefit you both on and off the pitch, including:

 

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Decision-making
  • Confidence
  • Teamwork
  • Responsibility
  • Problem-solving

 

These are skills that will support you throughout school, work and everyday life.

 

Be part of the football community

 

As a referee, you'll play an important role in supporting young players, coaches and clubs, helping football continue to grow across Gibraltar.

 

A Message to Parents & Guardians

 

The summer holidays provide a great opportunity for young people to try something new, stay active and develop valuable life skills.

 

The Grassroots Referee Foundation Course offers a safe, enjoyable and educational environment where participants will gain confidence, learn responsibility and become part of the wider football community.

 

Upon successful completion of the course, participants who wish to continue refereeing will receive ongoing mentoring, training and support from the Gibraltar FA before officiating their first matches.

 

If your child enjoys football, this is an excellent opportunity to remain involved in the game while developing skills that will benefit them for years to come.

 

How to Apply

 

To enrol on the course, applicants must:

 

  • Complete the official Application Form - click here to download.
  • Return the completed form by email to: patrick.canepa@gibraltarfa.com
  • Link to payment will be shared once application has been submitted.

 

Application Deadline: Friday 7th August 2026

 

Places are limited, so early applications are encouraged.

 

Further Information

 

If you have any questions or require further information about the course, please contact:

 

Patrick Canepa
Referee Manager
Gibraltar Football Association

Email: patrick.canepa@gibraltarfa.com

 

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of Gibraltar referees.