06/09/2026
This season, if you see a referee wearing a yellow armband, they are a child.
A young person brave enough to pick up a whistle, walk into the middle of a football pitch and make decisions in front of players, coaches and parents.
They won't get every decision right.
Neither will the players.
Neither will the coaches.
Neither will you.
So when you see that yellow armband:
Be patient.
Encourage them.
Protect them.
Let them learn.
Because that 15-year-old you support this weekend could become a referee for the next 30 years.
The one who gets shouted at, abused or humiliated?
They might put the whistle down on Sunday and never pick it up again.
Please share this message.
And this weekend, if you see the yellow armband, remember the child wearing it. 💛⚽