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Go On... Make It Official! In their continued bid to boost the number of referees, Birmingham County Football Association are offering a Women Only Referee Training Course in April. The BCFA hope to mirror the huge rise in the number of females playing football by removing the barriers that have prevented more women from "taking up the whistle". The course will take place on 2 Saturdays in April (6th and 20th) at BCFA HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham between 10am and 5pm. Participants do not have to have played football but must be aged over 14 years old and have a general interest in learning about the game. Attendance on both days of the course is essential. For just £20 those taking part will benefit from 2 days of expert tuition and will receive a complimentary copy of the "Laws of Association Football" plus an interactive training CD ROM. The cost of the final examination is also covered, along with a year's free registration should participants wish to take their knowledge out onto the pitch and become a fully-fledged referee. The profile of female referees was highlighted at the BCFA's Women Only Recruitment Seminar last month, where Premiership Official, Wendy Tomms gave an insight into how far she has progressed and the opportunities available to women who want to referee. "Being able to contribute to the game of football is what most referees find rewarding, no matter if they are at a Park or Premiership game," said BCFA Secretary, Dave Shelton. "However Wendy is a great example of how far you can progress, should you have the time and skills to give to the role. "Sometimes women can feel a little intimidated about being the only women on a training course, which may be discouraging them from taking that first step," he added. "We want to change all that and hope this course is the first of many." So, to banish those boys and book your place on the course. Call Birmingham County FA on 0121 357 4278 for an application form. More Girls "Get Involved"! 19th February 2002 Girls in the Birmingham County FA region were kept busy over the Half Term as two football Fun Days attracted over 90 participants. It was a terrific start to Rachel Dunlop's new role as Girls' & Women's FDO and for Laura Harvey and Gemma Adams who are now Assistant Girls' & Women's FDOs after Natalie Justice has taken on the responsibility for Football Development for the Birmingham County as a whole. Glebe Farm Colts are expecting plenty of interest from the 56 girls who attended the session held at Washwood Heath School. The Club currently have 5 girls playing in a mixed team, but after plenty of taster sessions and a great day enjoyed by all, it is hoped that numbers will be boosted by the event. Laura Harvey said: "A lot of work went into organising the festival, so it was great to see the potential that's out there!" Meanwhile, 40 participants took part in the session at Wolverhampton University, organised in conjunction with Staffordshire FA and went home with Girls Football Goodie Bags which included information on how to can join a club in their area. But just because it's "back to school", the football continues for girls in Birmingham as the incredibly popular schools league begins its second phase - bigger and better than before! Teams from Years 7 and 8 competed in the first league of its kind in England last term - run in conjunction with Birmingham City Council through the Active Sports initiative. Sutton Coldfield Girls School were victorious in North Birmingham, whilst Shenley Court were Southern Winners. Around 50 teams are expected to take part in this term's competition which has been expanded to cater for Years 9 and 10. Matches will take place each fortnight at two central venues for 10 weeks, with an added incentive for those taking part. The top 5 teams from the North and South will qualify for places in the 2002 Youth Games later this year. "It is great to see so many girls taking up the opportunities to play that are already out there," said Rachel. "We have a dedicated team of Development Officers now, who are all keen to ensure that there are more and more chances to get involved and to enjoy the game both in and out of schooltime" "GIRLS FOOTBALL - GET INVOLVED" HOTLINE: 0845 310 8555 BCFA FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT: 0121 682 2525 |