Young football referees looking to team up

Johmal Ashton, Yannick Williams and Daron Cupid, all share the same passion and that is to make it big as FIFA match referees.{{more}}

The trio got their ambitions whetted last week as they were part of a five day refresher course at the media centre at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

They, along with twenty-two others had no better people to work with than Jamaican Peter Pendergast – a FIFA referees instructor and Allan Brown from Costa Rica.

Ashton, age 20, who is being groomed as central referee has a head start over Williams and Cupid, who are assistant referees.

Ashton, who has been practising his craft for the past six years, was spotted while carrying the whistle during a village competition at the Campden Park Playing Field.

Since then, Ashton has been elevated to officiating in matches of the national club championships and was the man in the middle when the first division final was contested last December 22, at the Victoria Park.

In assessing the course, Ashton noted that he has gained more knowledge.

“ … I have learnt how to better my position on the field, as well as co-ordination,” Ashton recalled.

Ashton also said he is now more confident, especially when it comes to issuing cards to players.

Such is the promise shown by Ashton, that he is earmarked to further enhance his acumen at a training course in the Cayman Islands soon.

Meanwhile, budding assistant referees Williams and Cupid who are still attending secondary school, are equally optimistic about reaching the top of the ladder and thought that the course was beneficial in giving them a better understanding in officiating.

Williams said that his initiation into the task was pushed by Keith Ollivierre who encouraged him to pursue it.

Williams added that he got further training from Fitz Gerald King ( John Hinds) which has seen him gradually being recognized on the local scene.

The three are already operating as a team, often combining in matches of the national club championships, especially when played at the Campden Park Playing Field.

At present St Vincent and the Grenadines has three persons on the FIFA list for 2014 in central referees – Moeth Gaymes and assistant referees – Danroy Barker and Kiven Michael. (RT)