PGMO and Salford City Inspire Next Generation Through Breaking Barriers Academy Session
PGMO and Refresh Sports continued their Breaking Barriers in the Academy programme with an engaging, hands-on session for Salford City’s U18s at Mersey Valley. The event gave young players a rare insight into life as a professional match official.
Hosted by presenter Sam Hurst, the session brought together a strong line-up of officials: Premier League and FIFA referee Rob Jones, WSL assistant referee Ruby Sykes, Player to Match Official Programme representative Martyn Andrews and CORE X official Nicola Mtetwa. Each spoke about their experiences in the game and the pathways that led them into officiating.
Throughout the day, players took part in practical refereeing activities led by the aforementioned officials, including decision-making drills, offside exercises and a full VAR experience. These sessions helped deepen their understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of officiating as well as broaden their own knowledge of the Laws of the Game.
The Salford City session marks the third event in the newly expanded Breaking Barriers series, which has grown from its community roots to now include professional club academies. Following earlier academy events with Fulham and Middlesbrough, more than 100 young players have already picked up a whistle and flag for the first time in 2025.
Rob Jones, who has officiated in the Premier League since 2019, spoke about the value of the day:
“These types of events are really important. It offers a new perspective on football and potentially opens the door to a career path in the game to some who maybe didn’t know existed.”
Former Salford City player Martyn Andrews reflected on returning to his old club:
“Being back at my former club is lovely. I have a lot of fond memories here. I think if I had done this as a YTS, it would have changed my attitude completely.”
WSL assistant referee Ruby Sykes praised the players’ mindset:
“They did really well. They were putting everything into getting the right decision which is great to see. I think there could be some future referees in there.”
Academy player Joel described how the session shifted his perspective:
“Trying the drills ourselves showed just how difficult refereeing really is. I have come away with a lot more respect for the officials and the decisions they make.”
Senior figures attending the event included Arran Williams, PGMO’s EDI Manager, and former Premier League referee Chris Foy.
Williams said:
“It has been a fantastic morning with Salford and their Under-18s. They have had the opportunity to go out on the pitch with a Premier League referee and a WSL assistant referee, wave the flags and make decisions. It has been brilliant to watch.”
Liam Hopkins, Salford City Academy’s Player Experience Manager, highlighted the value of the initiative:
“I am really thankful to PGMO for coming in, offering this experience for the boys and giving them an insight into refereeing – something they are not normally exposed to. It has been really good.”
The session gave players a fresh perspective on the role of referees in the game and highlighted the range of pathways and opportunities available within officiating.
For more information on refereeing qualifications, courses and pathways, visit:
englandfootball.com/participate/referees
