The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) has renewed its strategic partnership with IslandStats.com in an ambitious bid to bolster the ranks of local match officials for the 2026 season.
Faced with the perennial challenge of official shortages, the governing body is turning to digital innovation to inspire a new generation of referees. The collaboration aims to pull back the curtain on the profession, framing refereeing not just as an essential service to the game, but as a viable pathway for personal development and international travel.
The centerpiece of the recruitment drive is the special weekly segment, "Excellence in Action," which is set to air today at 4:30 PM on the platform's Referees Corner show. The broadcast serves as the front line for the BFA’s messaging, targeting football enthusiasts who may never have considered picking up the whistle.
Today’s programme features a high-profile panel of Canadian officials, including Bradley Doubrough, Twayne Anderson, and Renzo Villanueva. The trio, all established figures on the Canada Soccer national list, will share their experiences of navigating the professional ranks in North America and the unique opportunities provided by the Concacaf region.
The discussion is expected to highlight the multifaceted benefits of certification, ranging from: Pathways to international experience via FIFA and Concacaf appointments. Income generation as a part-time or professional career. Leadership skills that translate directly into professional life outside of sport.
By leveraging a live digital platform, the BFA and IslandStats are aiming for unprecedented transparency in how officials are trained and evaluated. The hope is that by humanizing the men and women in the middle, the "Excellence in Action" segment can break down barriers and encourage former players and fans to see the sport from a new, essential perspective.
"Improving the quality of football in Bermuda starts with the investment and encouragement of our match officials," a BFA spokesperson noted. With veteran Bermudian officials like Sar Smith and Amaury Majors already making waves on the international stage, the BFA believes the infrastructure is in place to support any newcomer from the grass-roots to the global arena.
