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On Monday 26 September, the University of Gloucestershire in partnership with the Football Association will launch the country's first University Football Referee Scholarship.The first recipient of the scholarship, a Hay-on-Wye based Bulls fan, will be presented at the University's Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Care at the Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester. Vice Chancellor and Principal, Dame Janet Trotter will be handing over the essential tools for the job - a whistle and a red card to the trainee. She will be will be joined by Janie Frampton and Roger Vaughan, both Regional Referee Managers with the Football Association. Also present will be Colin Harris from the FA District Referee Association, and FA referee instructor, Jim Harding who will act as a mentor to the trainee.The FA and University Football Referee Scholarship will operate alongside the Rugby Referee Scholarship, which was launched last year. It is intended that the two scholars will work closely on SAQ (speed, agility and quickness) and fitness and endurance as well as the academic study required for a degree in Sports Science.Assistant Director of Sport, Daniel Murphy commented:"This is an exciting new venture, that will give every opportunity to the scholar for the enhancement and progression of not only their refereeing aspirations, but also for academic achievement. The components of the scholarship coupled with the expertise of staff input will not only benefit refereeing, but the game in general. The University of Gloucestershire hopes this is the first of many such opportunities."
