The FA Walking Football Referees Course is designed for anyone aged 18 and over who wants to join one of the fastest growing games in the country. 

Walking football has been growing in recent years with playing pathways from recreational through to competitive pinnacle with the FA Walking Football Cup. Referees play an integral role in ensuring all participants enjoy their matchday experience, helping create a competitive, fair, safe and enjoyable playing environment.

Whether you want to referee in men's or women's, mixed competitions, our Walking Football Referees Course is the starting point for your career. Refereeing is not only rewarding, but the social and life skills that come from becoming a referee extend far beyond your initial expectations.

Booking Course Information

To find out more about the next Walking Football Referee Course, contact Kent FA Football Development Assistant on Kelvin.Newell@KentFA.com

Course Structure

Block 1 - Introduction to Walking Football Refereeing and Pre-Course Activity (30 minutes).

Online learning resource will be emailed directly to you ahead of Block 2 starting.

• Overview of course expectations and commitments
• Basic outline of the Laws of the Game for Walking Football
• Online video review

All learners are required to complete FA Safeguarding requirements. 

Block 2 - Practical and Theory (7 hours)

A mixture of practical and theoretical referee training, focusing on the key skills and techniques required to be a Walking Football referee. This is then coupled with the practical application of law and the different scenarios that can be faced in a game. Some of the topics covered are signals and communication, fouls and misconduct and positioning and movement.

Block 3 – Refereeing Experience

You will be required to officiate in five Walking Football Games in a home and away basis or 3 separate festivals/central venue competitions. Upon completing the 5 games or at 3 festival/central venue learners are required to submit their games to complete the qualification and be registered with their County Football Association. 

Block 4 – Reflection, Final Test and Next Steps

You will be required to attend a ‘call-back’ session after your refereeing experience, where you will have an opportunity to share experiences on the games you have officiated, including what has worked well and what you might do differently in the future. At this session you will receive information on the next steps and the opportunities that will be available to you (further training, etc). 

If you have any further questions, please email Kent FA Football Development Assistant on Kelvin.Newell@KentFA.com