Tough times ahead for local football

Local football is in crises and unless referees can be recruited urgently there will be more games being cancelled before the end of the season.

That’s the stark warning from local referee chiefs after MyWelshpool saw a group chat message that had been issued to officials ahead of this weekend’s matches.

Under the title ‘referee shortage’, a plea was made to referees heading out to games on Saturday to make sure clubs are aware of the acute shortage and to urge them to play their part in recruiting.

The message read: “It has become apparent in recent weeks how acute the referee shortage has become.

“We have lost three referees in recent weeks with long term injury/illness problems and are not able to replace. I fear for the future of recreational football next season when the new structures are implemented.

“Please do your upmost to persuade a friend or colleague to take the plunge. When you go to grounds explain our predicament to them and get to recruit someone from within. I don’t think they appreciate how critical the problem is.”

If you are interested in becoming a referee, visit https://becomearef.wales