The Jersey FA is delighted to announce it has been awarded £12,000 a year for the next three years by the Jersey Community Foundation.

The funding will be used towards the recruitment, retention and development of referees and coaches in Jersey. 

From the start of next season, anyone who wants to become a local coach or referee will be able to access free courses and training at entry level, as well as subsidised opportunities for those who wish to progress further.

David Kennedy, CEO of Jersey FA, said: "We have ambitious targets for the diversity of Jersey football’s voluntary workforce and want to ensure anyone, regardless of background, can get involved. This will ensure our players can enjoy the best possible environment when they take part, as qualified coaches and officials are integral to the delivery of our sport. We are extremely grateful to the Jersey Community Foundation as this funding will remove the cost barrier to anyone who has considered coaching or refereeing at a time when the cost of living is taking its toll on families." 

Anna Terry, CEO of Jersey Community Foundation, said: "Jersey Community Foundation were delighted to award £36,000 to the Jersey Football Association towards their Referee and Coach Development Programme. Our sports advisers recognized the value that the JFA bring to the community in promoting sports, teamwork and general wellbeing. We were particularly excited at their plans to improve the diversity of referees, enabling both the female game to flourish and to reach more effectively those with Polish, Portuguese and Romanian background, who make up such a crucial part of our community.”

If you would like to know more about the referee pathway and opportunities, contact harry.walker@jerseyfa.com.

For coach education enquiries, contact Brian.oliver@jerseyfa.com.