How Kent is playing its part in the FA’s national drive to increase numbers of black, Asian and mixed heritage referees in football

New ground has been broken as Kent hosts its first course for referees from black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds.

Day one took place at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Gravesend on Thursday and the course concludes today.

It’s part of the FA’s three-year national refereeing strategy, launched at the start of last season, to increase numbers.

Raj Randhawa, the FA’s refereeing equality, diversity and inclusion delivery manager, has been working closely with the Kent FA to make the course happen.

He said: “One of the key objectives of the strategy is to increase representation of black, Asian and mixed heritage populations and essentially that is my job.

“I’ve got to make sure that I bring referees from these populations into the world of refereeing but also make sure they stick as referees and provide any support they need.

“Across the country, I’ve been delivering referee courses that are specifically for these populations to get involved in.

“We’ve tried to make sure they are in the communities of ethnically diverse areas, and we’re trying to deliver the courses in some very unique settings as well, where traditionally and historically we’ve never been before.

“It’s the first time we’re delivering a course in Kent but also the other added factor is we’re delivering a referee course in a place of worship at the Sikh Gurdwara.

“Hopefully we can use that example in the next season where we can deliver referee courses maybe in a Hindu mandir or a mosque.”

Sixteen people signed up to the Kent course - encouraging numbers for the organisers.

Randhawa added: “I rely on the county FA network, so the courses that are specifically for black, Asian and mixed heritage populations can’t exist without the good work of the county