Refresh kick-off 2025/26 Season with Inspiring PGMO ‘Breaking Barriers in the Academy’ Event at Middlesbrough
Refresh Sports and PGMO launched the 2025/26 season of the Breaking Barriers in the Academy programme with a dynamic event at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park, engaging U18, U16 and U15 academy players.
Hosted by journalist and presenter Georgia Banks, the event featured EFL Championship referee Andrew Kitchen, Women’s Super League assistant referee Danielle Whitworth and EFL assistant referee Matt Sowerby. Together, they shared how they became match officials and the journeys they have all been on to reach the professional game.
Players stepped into the shoes of a Video Assistant Referee through a hands-on VAR experience — and headed out onto the pitch for practical sessions focused on decision-making and assistant refereeing. These activities offered a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on officiating at the highest level of the game.
Kitchen, who made his Premier League debut last season, reflected on the value of the event:
“These types of events give a better understanding on both sides between players and officials, and there’s mutual respect. The more immersed the players became in the practical activities, their understanding and enjoyment grew which sparked a lot of interest.”
Sowerby, an EFL assistant referee who also acts as a Referee Development Officer, highlighted the positive impact:
“Today’s session went well and I hope the participants were able to take away some skills that they can use on the pitch themselves and hopefully that improves player behaviour on the pitch between players and officials.”
Whitworth, who regularly officiates in the WSL, added:
“Breaking Barriers events highlight the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and that the job is much more than refereeing on a pitch. It includes training, working on your physical health and working hard.”
Tristan, one of the Middlesbrough academy players, said:
“I feel like it’s interesting to know the referee’s perspective of the game. It seems easy on the TV but it’s quicker when you see it up close!”
The event was also attended by senior football figures including Arran Williams, PGMO’s DEI Manager, and Chris Foy, Head of Community and Public Engagement.
Williams said:
“It was lovely to see how the players engaged with the referees through their tasks and conversations with each other. The aim for events like these are to humanise officials on the pitch through presentations, activities on the pitch and direct communication.”
Barry Dawson, Middlesbrough Academy’s Head of Education and Welfare, reinforced the club’s commitment to supporting initiatives like this:
“The club is proud to support PGMO’s Breaking Barriers session here at Rockliffe Park. We are grateful to be able to educate our players through these activities and we know that they have left with a deeper understanding of refereeing.”
The day gave players a deeper understanding of refereeing and the vital role officials play in the game, whilst showcasing the number of pathways and opportunities available within the game.
For more information on refereeing qualifications, courses and pathways, visit:
englandfootball.com/participate/referees
