⚽ What happens when you give young people the confidence to lead?
On Monday, we saw it first-hand at Edgar Wood Academy.
We delivered our full-day Mini Match Officials initiative to a group of Year 8 and 9 pupils identified by the PE department as young people who wanted to develop their confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills.
And what a day it was. 🙌
A Day of Learning, Leadership and Match Officiating
Thinking, Communicating and Making Decisions
From an interactive ‘You’re The Ref’ session and Laws of the Game team quiz (RefStop lanyards as prizes! 🤩), to exploring why referees matter and the qualities needed to succeed as a match official, the morning was all about thinking, communicating and making decisions.
Putting Their Skills into Practice
We then brought it to life after break with a VAR masterclass, art of assistant refereeing session and whistle communication challenge, which then fed into the students applying all the skills and knowledge gained into leading and officiating small sided games in football and netball.
Growing in Confidence Throughout the Day
But the activities are only part of the story.
The real highlight was watching the pupils grow throughout the day.
Those who were initially hesitant became more confident.
Those who were reluctant to speak up began contributing.
And, as the day progressed, they started to make decisions, communicate and lead.
That is why we do what we do.
Developing Young People Beyond the Pitch
Mini Match Officials isn’t just about developing referees.
It’s about developing young people.
Confidence.
Leadership.
Resilience.
Responsibility.
Empathy.
Respect.
Skills that can make a difference on the pitch, in the classroom and beyond.
Celebrating Every Pupil’s Achievement
👏 Every pupil successfully completed the initiative, earning their Certificate of Achievement and their own Mini Match Officials bag, including a whistle and red and yellow cards to continue their journey.
A huge thank you to the PE team at Edgar Wood Academy for investing in these young people and giving them the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone.
We’re incredibly proud of them.
Give young people responsibility. Give them an opportunity to lead. Then watch what happens. 💙
Feedback from Edgar Wood Academy
Leigh and Natalie were absolutely fantastic! The day was engaging, inspiring and full of opportunities for our children to build confidence. It was brilliant to see even our quieter pupils thriving, stepping outside their comfort zones and really enjoying themselves. The children loved becoming referees, dressing up and yellow and red carding their peers! Having professional officials like Leigh and Natalie to look up to was incredibly inspirational, and Natalie’s personal journey really resonated with the girls. Some are already saying they want to take the FA referees course as soon as they turn 14! The sessions linked brilliantly with our school values and left a real impact on the children. It was a fantastic day that inspired them both on and off the pitch. Thanks again for an incredible day!
Bring Mini Match Officials to Your School
🏫 If your school has pupils who could benefit from developing confidence, leadership and resilience, we’d love to bring Mini Match Officials to you.
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