2025 CFU Next Generation Referee Course

About the Course

The 2025 CFU Next Generation Referee Course is set to commence from January 17-19, hosted by the Barbados Football Association (BFA). Now in its fourth year, this initiative welcomes 22 match officials representing 15 Member Associations across the Caribbean.

Launched in 2022 with support from Concacaf, the program provides Caribbean referees with the necessary skills to advance to the FIFA International Refereeing List. The course combines theoretical instruction with on-field training to nominate participants to the prestigious FIFA ranks.

Program Details

The program is spearheaded by CFU Referee Committee member Dave Meikle and a seasoned team of instructors, including Kelesha Antoine, FIFA Fitness Refereeing Instructor; Dianne Ferreira-James, FIFA Technical Instructor; Victor Stewart, CFU Instructor; Ishan Philip, Concacaf Technical Instructor and Rohan Thobourne: Concacaf Fitness Instructor.

Adding to the lineup, FIFA match officials and World Cup candidates Odette Hamilton (Jamaica) and Crystal Sobers (Trinidad and Tobago) will mentor the participants.

Over the three-day course, officials will undergo intensive training sessions in the classroom and on the field. Afterward, the program transitions to an online format, offering customized mentorship and progress monitoring.

Participants may also be appointed to competitions, such as the CFU Girls U-14 Challenge Series, providing additional practical exposure.

Success Stories

The Next Gen initiative has already made significant strides, with eight referees from previous cohorts debuting on the 2025 FIFA International Refereeing list. Among them are McManaman Bedeau (Grenada), Cleon Cully (Barbados), and Jaselle Louison (Barbados).

CFU President Randolph Harris praised the program’s success. “We’ve witnessed remarkable progress. Many of our referees have secured match appointments, advanced through the Concacaf Academy, and joined the FIFA ranks. The collaborative effort between the CFU, Concacaf, and Member Associations has been instrumental in achieving these milestones.”

Conclusion

The 2025 CFU Next Generation Referee Course is an exciting opportunity for Caribbean referees to develop their skills and advance their careers. With a strong team of instructors and mentors, participants can expect a comprehensive and challenging program that will prepare them for the demands of international refereeing.

FAQs

* When does the course take place?
+ The course will take place from January 17-19, 2025.
* Who is hosting the course?
+ The Barbados Football Association (BFA) is hosting the course.
* How many participants are there?
+ There are 22 match officials representing 15 Member Associations across the Caribbean participating in the course.
* What is the program’s objective?
+ The program’s objective is to provide Caribbean referees with the necessary skills to advance to the FIFA International Refereeing List.