Football: Officials complete training course |22 April 2014

A group of 25 referees have completed a Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) refereeing workshop to upgrade their level of officiating.

The workshop took place last week under the supervision of Fifa instructors Carlos Enriquez and Mark Mzengo.

Speaking at the ceremony to reward the local officials who took part, referees technical committee chairman Danny Poiret said such training is part of the committee’s goal to up the level of football in Seychelles by improving the level of refereeing.
 
All those who took part including four females and a number of young officials, were presented with their certificates during the closing ceremony held at the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) headquarters at the Maison Football, Roche Caïman. SFF secretary general Jemmy Adela was also present.

Mr Enriquez, who was the only instructor present at the closing ceremony, was also presented with a token of appreciation from the officials.

“Fifa can be very proud of Seychelles, as such a small island is capable of producing good quality referees,” he said.

Brigitte Philoé, one of the female officials who attended the course, said: “It is the first time I attend this course and I have found it quite challenging, as you have to be very well prepared for the physical tests.”

Sports Nation also spoke to young Norris Arissol who said that he found the course very rewarding for him as a young referee. “I want be a good referee in the future and I know that with determination and concentration I will be able to get better,” he said.
 
Norris also took the opportunity to urge the youths who are caught up in drugs and alcohol to try and take up officiating as it can help to keep them out of such influences.

The next refereeing course will take place in October.

S. N.