Twenty-four match officials representing 15 Member Associations including Sar Smith from Bermuda will sharpen their skills during the 2026 edition of the CFU Next Generation Referee Course, to be held in St. Kitts from January 16th – 18th, 2026.
The intensive three-day program focuses on technical proficiency, physical fitness, and personal development. Delivery will be led by FIFA Fitness Refereeing Instructor and CFU Referees Committee Member Kelesha Antoine; FIFA Technical Instructor Dianne Ferreira-James; Concacaf Technical Instructor Ishan Philip; and Concacaf Fitness Instructor Rohan Thobourne. Dave Meikle, CFU Committee Member, serves as Course Administrator.
Following the in-person introductory module, training transitions to an online format, with instructors designing a bespoke training and mentorship program for participants. Those who demonstrate excellence will earn appointments to the CFU U-14 Challenge Series, at which point in-person training resumes.
Launched in 2022, Next Gen, as it is commonly called, was established to strengthen referee development across the Caribbean. It targets high-performing match officials within Member Associations who meet the prerequisites for progression to the FIFA International Referees List. The tripartite initiative is supported by CFU Member Associations and Concacaf.
Head of Refereeing at the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association, Graeme Browne, welcomed the opportunity to contribute to regional referee development.
“During our most recent referee recruitment drive, we branded the initiative ‘Finding the Next Generation of Soccer Referees.’ What began as a local effort has evolved into a regional partnership, as the SKNFA and its Refereeing Department proudly join the CFU in developing the next generation of referees,” Browne said.
“On behalf of the SKNFA, and in my capacity as Head of Refereeing, I am delighted to welcome our young male and female referees to St. Kitts and Nevis for the 2026 CFU Next Gen Referee Course. This program represents the future of officiating, not only for your respective countries, but for the CFU region as a whole,” Browne added.
“Hosting this course underscores our commitment to developing the next generation of match officials. It will equip participants with the tools, guidance, and mentorship necessary to become confident, knowledgeable, and professional referees. We are confident that their time here will be both educational and inspiring, and that it will play a meaningful role in their continued development.”
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