In a joint initiative, Somerset and Gloucestershire have introduced 23 new, young female referees into the game. The initiative was funded by former Somerset Referees Development Officer, Joanna Stimpson, now National Female Refereeing Manager at the FA as part of her Female Refereeing Strategy.

An FA Referees Course was delivered by Somerset's Stacey Pearson and Megan Buller. Stacey is a Level 3 referee in Somerset who has been appointed to international tournaments as well as numerous domestic fixtures across both the male and female game. Megan, alongside our Referees Development Officer, Matt Eva, is our go-to for refereeing questions and queries in the office and a qualified FA Affiliate Tutor. 

The course culminated in the new referees officiating matches between Somerset and Gloucestershire's Advanced Coaching Center squads at the home of Gloucestershire FA, Oaklands Park.

Fantastic to spend the day with @SomersetFA @GlosFA on the final day of their women’s refereeing course. Such a great display of collaborative working between Counties, Leagues, ACC’s & @bristolcitywfc. Great work everyone 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/2ynDROo6xb

— joanna stimpson (@JoannaStimpson) March 28, 2018