ABFA hosts pre-season course for referees

The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) hosted its National Referee Pre-Season Course over the weekend as the organisation stepped up preparations for the upcoming football season.

The four-day programme, which began on Thursday, September 3, at the FA Technical Centre, was organised by the ABFA Referee Department and conducted under the guidance of MA technical instructors Darez Dundas and Ishan Philip, both Concacaf technical instructors and assessors.

ABFA General Secretary Zorol Bartley officially declared the course open and urged match officials to continue giving their best in the execution of their duties.

Bartley underscored the critical role referees play in football, noting that the sport cannot be played without their commitment and contribution. He also reaffirmed the executive committee’s continued support for referee development under the leadership of ABFA President Ickford Roberts.

The general secretary also congratulated match officials who received appointments during the summer, as well as those selected for upcoming Concacaf Nations League assignments.

The course, which concluded on Sunday, provided referees with a combination of technical and practical preparation ahead of the new football season, which is set to start in October.