Launch of the NGLFL Female Referees Development Programme

The Nottinghamshire Girls & Ladies Football League (NGLFL) is delighted to confirm the introduction of a dedicated Female Referees Development Programme for the 2025–2026 season. 

This initiative will be led by Andrew Smith, who has successfully delivered this programme for several years, supporting the progression of female match officials through individual bespoke development, real-time feedback, and structured refereeing pathways. The programme has already helped provide female referees for a range of fixtures, including appointments within the Nottingham Forest Emerging Talent Centre (ETC). 

Participants in the programme will benefit from:

• Real-time feedback during fixtures to support immediate learning

• Regular match appointments across the NGLFL

• Progression opportunities through the Nottingham Forest ETC and wider county pathways

• Mentoring, guidance, and peer support from experienced officials

League Comment "The NGLFL is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for women and girls across all areas of the game. Our Female Referees Development Programme is an important step in ensuring that aspiring female officials have the support, guidance, and opportunities they deserve. We are proud to be working with Andrew Smith to deliver this pathway and to continue strengthening the future of officiating within Nottinghamshire."

Comment from Andrew Smith “I am delighted The female referee’s development programme and our coaching team, will now became part of The NGLFL, this programme has a proven success in delivering dedicated support for Female referees within Nottinghamshire over many years, with several of our senior colleagues now operating nationally in the WSL, FA Women National Football League and the wider Female referee pathway.”