Referee numbers increase here in Kent

THE KENT County Football Association says the number of people signing up to become referees has increased, despite all their recent bad publicity.

The Respect Campaign - aimed at building good ties between officials and players - has come under scrutiny amid claims it is not working.

But Kent County Football Association referee development officer John Newsome, told BBC Radio Kent there had been a rise in interest.

"It's not difficult finding them," he said. "It's difficult keeping them."

The Kent County Football Association has set a target of recruiting 300 referees over the next three-and-a-half years.

They currently have 150 people taking qualification courses, up from 110 in 2007.

Mr Newsome added: "It's something we're working on.

"We brought a new association out to make every referee feel part of football in Kent and hopefully that will stand us in good stead for the future."

Visit the Kent County Football Association website: www.kentfa.com

Visit BBC Radio Kent’s website: www.bbc.co.uk/kent