North Wales Coast Football Association

We were recently able to share the good news that once again the NWCFA will provide one of the 3 candidates from Wales to attend the Centre of Refereeing excellence at Uefa headquarters in Nyon in 2017. Aaron Jones of Deganwy's selection for that was confirmed on his first day at the Uefa U19 Group 6 qualification tournament last week when he spent 8 days in the company of Referees from France, Bulgaria and Lithuania as well as 2 observers, Miroslav Tullinger from the Czech Republic and one of the biggest names in World Refereeing Mr. Peter Mikklesen from Denmark who is a member of the FIFA Referees committee, and Refereed at 2 World cup finals, namely Italy 1990 and USA 1994, as well as 2 Euro finals including Euro 96 in England. It was a great experience for Aaron and will aid his futher development.

Whilst at the U19 tournament news was released of the 2017 International list of Referees, and Iwan Griffiths from Conwy and previously Bontnewydd has been promoted to the position of FIFA Referee. This means that in 2017 we will be represented in Wales by 3 FIFA referees, 2 of which come from the NWCFA. We have 6 area association in Wales and we can be proud of this fact.

We will also within the NWCFA continue to be represented by 2 FIFA assistant Referees out of the 6 which will represent Wales. This means we have 4 positions out of 9 on the International list with 5 positions filled by the other 5 area associations between them.

Our good news did not end there with the news that Laura Griffiths from Bangor has been promoted to the position of International assistant Referee along with Rebecca Thomas from South Wales, who will be our First International Women assistant Referees.

Laura attended the Referees course held at Llangefni Town FC in October 2013, and Brian Lawlor can recall when he stood behind her on the line at Gwalchmai FC in January 2014 when she nervously took the flag for the first time, so her progress has been astounding.

Amongst all our supposed downfalls let us rejoice in these positive points which shows that we continue to lead the way in the Refereeing structure within Wales.

On behalf of the Area Association, a massive congratulations to you all - we are proud of your efforts and achievements.