The Referees’ Association are delighted to confirm a new partnership with The Young Elizabethan League (YEL), which will see all of 350 match officials given the opportunity to become members of The RA with immediate effect.
About YEL
Founded as the Young Elizabethan league, and now affectionately known as the YEL, their mission is to create opportunities for boys and girls to enjoy the game at every level. From playing in organised, safe environments, to upholding the highest level of respect for referees, teammates and opposition alike, the YEL strives to be the very best youth football league in the UK.
Whilst moving forward with a modern 21st Century image and an upgraded management system for running the league efficiently and professionally, the footballing ethos has not changed and is still underpinned by the simple message of ‘Sportsmanship above all’
- Around 11,000 games played each year
- Over 15,000 registered players
- Upwards of 1,150 teams representing more than 160 clubs
The Young Elizabethan League are the biggest U7 to U14 Youth League in the Country
Rob Harwood, CEO of YEL, said:
'We are delighted and very proud as we launch this ground breaking YEL/Referees' Association partnership. The RA will bring a wealth of experience, support, encouragement and development to all of our referees, young and old alike, which will hopefully enhance their experience and encourage them to further their refereeing career.'
Paul Field, Chair of The RA, said:
'We are delighted to have created this ground-breaking partnership with The Young Elizabethan League. As the first of its kind in our proud 113 year history, it will see all referees from the league become have the opportunity to be members of The Referees’ Association. This will not only improve The YEL refereeing workforce, but also provide all match officials with expert training, development and welfare support.'
The Referees' Association would welcome any enquiries from other football leagues across the country who would be interested in creating a partnership with our organisation.
In the first instance, please use the contact form on our website or get in touch with a member of the team.
Our Partnerships
Partnerships are often formed between individuals, agencies or organisations with a shared interest to address specific issues. Our evidence reveals that our members young and old often require mental, emotional, financial, medical help, support and guidance. The Referees’ Association champion the work of those agencies that provide this support in times of need. Should you require support please contact the relevant agency below or the RA Head Office.
Learn more
Join the Referees Association
The National RA recommends that prospective members should join through their local LRA, the easiest way being to attend one of the many local association meetings that take place across the country on a regular (usually monthly) basis. Find your nearest branch now.
Alternatively, online membership is now available for any referee who wishes to take up central membership. The National RA will then allocate you a local branch. Join now.