A new era for refereeing development has arrived in Shropshire, bringing with it unprecedented opportunities for ambitious match officials.

Refereeing has long been the backbone of grassroots football, and with a growing number of referees across the county, Shropshire FA has embraced The FA's Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) programme, a transformative national initiative that is reshaping how talented referees are identified, supported and developed across England.

For referees in Shropshire with ambition and potential, CORE represents something significant: a structured, professionally delivered pathway that can take them from county football all the way to the national stage.

The FA CORE programme is the national framework for refereeing talent development. Delivered in partnership with the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), it operates through a tiered structure spanning five levels, supporting referees from Level 7 through to Level 2b.

What sets CORE apart is its commitment to quality and consistency. Every referee on the programme receives season-long support from a trained, accredited referee coach who acts as their primary point of contact. This isn't just about improving match performance; it's about developing confident, resilient and professional officials capable of handling the demands of higher-level football.

The programme is built on clear principles: focus, commitment, professionalism, fitness and a genuine desire to improve. Referees are selected based on potential, not postcodes. Regardless of age, gender or background, those who demonstrate the right standards and attitude will be given the opportunity to progress.

A National Performance Centre

At the pinnacle of the CORE structure sits the newly launched National Performance Centre, home to the top thirty referee prospects in the country.

Selected through rigorous scouting, performance analysis and expert evaluation, these officials are immersed in a high-performance environment designed to accelerate their journey into elite football.

Significantly, the first cohort includes ten female match officials and 20 per cent from Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage backgrounds.

This reflects The FA's determination to build a refereeing community that truly represents modern football, supported by targeted talent identification events and inclusive programmes such as CORE X, delivered alongside BAMREF and PGMO.

The Shropshire Connection

While the national vision sets the direction, CORE's true impact unfolds at regional and county level.

In Shropshire, the programme is guided by Rob Lewis, a former Premier League and FIFA international assistant referee and EFL referee.

As part of the national core, which the county core feeds into, Shropshire's officials now benefit from enhanced coaching support, tailored educational pathways and ongoing mentorship.

The county has gained a particular advantage through the involvement of Rob Lewis, whose participation adds essential insight and practical experience for officials starting their journey.

One young Shropshire referee already experiencing the benefits is Oliver Fones, who recently attended a taster day at the FA's National Performance Centre. During the session, Oli took part in a fitness test and a laws of the game workshop, gaining a firsthand look at what it takes to be part of the elite development pathway.

For Oli and others like him, the message is clear: talent will be recognised and opportunity will follow.

A Strategy for Growth

CORE sits within The FA's wider refereeing strategy, To Grow, Guide, and Govern, launched in July 2023. This three-year plan outlines clear actions to diversify the refereeing pathway, expand bursary schemes, deliver more courses and improve representation within leadership roles across officiating.

Howard Webb, Chief Refereeing Officer at PGMO, said the initiative represents "a significant and progressive step which underlines the commitment to refereeing in England. The identification of talent and development are at the core of aligned pathways between the grassroots and professional game."

Looking Ahead

The introduction of CORE across Shropshire is more than just a programme launch. It's a statement of intent. Talented referees in the county will be identified, supported and given every opportunity to progress. With strong local leadership, experienced mentors and a nationally aligned structure, the future for Shropshire referees has never looked brighter.

For those with the ambition, dedication and passion to reach the top, the pathway is now clear. The next generation of elite match officials could well be taking their first steps right here in Shropshire.