ASPIRING football referees have the chance to take the first steps on the officiating ladder this month.

An FA referee course will be held at Furness College on Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16, for anyone aged 14 and upwards.

Two full days – running between 9am and 4pm – will run candidates through the laws of the game and their practical application.

The course will be followed by a further evening, with final qualifications confirmed following in-match experience and assessment.

When qualified, referees will be able to accept responsibilities in the Furness Premier League and Barrow and District Junior Football League – as well as other local competitions.

The course fee is £135, but the Barrow and District JFL has agreed to fund 50 per cent of this, once conditions regarding taking charge of matches are met.

For more information on the course, visit www.lancashirefa.com/referees/become-a-referee or contact Barrow JFL referees' officer Tony Wager on bdjflrefs@gmail.com

Wager himself is celebrating after receiving the Extra Mile award at the Lancashire FA annuals referees' awards night.

He was recognised for the work he has done over the past year in recruiting and retaining match officials in the area.