We are lucky in the Reading area because there is a wealth of football. Referees are never short of a game and most are content with the great variety available locally. Appointment Secretaries

Leagues and Competitions

Our two adult men’s leagues are the Reading Football League (Saturdays) and the Reading and District Sunday League. The local Youth league is the South Chiltern Minor League (U/10 - U/16). All the leagues have close connections with the Reading RA and are committed to giving their referees the fullest support. Among the many competitions are the Berks and Bucks County Cups.

Small-a-side games too

Many referees enjoy officiating at 5 and 6-a-side tournaments which seem to happen somewhere in the area most weekends during June and July. Often they are youth competitions but there are some large events, like the Reading Fives, which include men’s, women’s and youth teams.

The Next Step

Even if you expect just to referee on the local parks, the first step is to become a qualified referee. 

The Football League and Beyond

In spite of all the attractions of local football, some referees, especially the younger ones, have ambitions to progress into more senior football and, if possible, as far as FIFA and the World Cup. The Berks and Bucks FA, jointly with the referees’ County Association, takes a particular interest in young potential high-fliers and gives them every opportunity to get on through the Young Referees’ Development Programme.

The first step, however, is still the same - you have to start by becoming a qualified referee. Then you can begin to think about making it to the top.