The Northumberland FA Referee Development Programme is aimed at providing young referees with the provision to develop and enhance their skills in becoming competent officials; ultimately assisting with their transition to open-aged football.

Long term, the Referee Development Group aims to support those aspirational match officials who want to attain Level 4. It is designed to deliver specific and relevant training to young, ambitious, dedicated and talented referees.

A coach will work with the referees on a one-to-one basis on match-day, providing practical advice and tips to develop their skills. Giving each referee an aspect of the game to think about allows them to gradually build their skills through to the end of the game.