Refresh Launches PGMO Breaking Barriers 2025/26
PGMO officially launched its Breaking Barriers in the Community programme for the
2025/26 season with an inspiring evening at Preston North End’s iconic Deepdale
Stadium on Thursday, 28 August.
Hosted by BBC reporter Sam Harris, the season’s first event brought together a stellar
panel of officials: EFL Championship referee Leigh Doughty, Women’s Super League referee Megan Wilson and CORE X referee Abid Hussain. The trio shared powerful personal stories about their journeys in officiating, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the opportunities the game has given them.
Attendees also had the chance to step into the shoes of a Video Assistant Referee
through a hands-on VAR experience — offering a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective
on decision-making at the top level of football.
Spotlight on Refereeing Journeys
Leigh Doughty, who began refereeing in 2006 with the Blackpool Referees Association,
described his rise through the ranks — from grassroots football to becoming a Championship referee in the 2020/21 season.
“It’s very rewarding – just dig deep, reflect honestly and openly, but the most important
thing is to enjoy it” said Doughty. “You’ve got to be confident on the pitch and learn how
to adapt to any situation on stages as large as this one.”
Megan Wilson reflected on her path from Sunday League to Women’s Super League
official. “There weren’t many women refereeing when I first started, but that eventually all
changed,” she said. “Trailblazers like Rebecca Welch are now being recognised and it’s
amazing that young girls can see a pathway into officiating.”
CORE X referee Abid Hussain credited the programme with helping him develop the skills
and confidence to progress. “Learning more about officiating is what keeps the fire
burning for me,” he said. “Programmes like CORE X open doors for development, career
advancement, and accessibility.”
Championing Diversity
The event was attended by senior football figures including PGMO’s Coaching Director
Wayne Allison and Select Group Women’s Professional Game Director Rebecca Welch,
the first woman to referee both EFL and Premier League fixtures, who now plays a key
role in developing the next generation of referees in the WSL and WSL2.
Wayne Allison, PGMO Coaching Director, said:
“It’s a great event and it’s great to see our match officials share their
inspirational stories. It is huge for the community and for the young people who are trying
to get into match officiating. I think it’s great because everyone has a unique story and a
unique pathway of how they got into refereeing, so that range lends itself to a great
evening.”
Rebecca Welch added:
“I lacked in confidence when I was younger and it wasn’t until I got into refereeing
where I finally became self-assured on the field. I’d tell young women to believe in
themselves and give something a go – I gave refereeing a go and here I am 16 years later
having made history in the Premier League, operating in the Women’s Super League and
all around the world.”
Preston North End’s Head of Health & Wellbeing, Emma McNamara, and EDI Lead,
Mohammed Patel, opened the evening by reaffirming the club’s commitment to diversity
and inclusion in football. “The club is proud to support PGMO’s Breaking Barriers session
here at Deepdale Stadium,” said Patel. “We hope attendees left with a deeper
understanding of refereeing — and see it as a rewarding career path.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
The event sparked real enthusiasm, with attendees keen to explore a future in officiating.
For those inspired to follow in the footsteps of Doughty, Wilson, and Hussain, information
about refereeing qualifications, courses, and career pathways can be found at
englandfootball.com/participate/referees.
