This group is selected via applications submitted from officials in May and will see a maximum of 15 applicants.

The group will be led by our EDI Ambassador Mohammed Ghafoor, aimed at targeting those officials from historically underrepresented backgrounds wanting to progress.

They will have 3 meetings throughout the season which will focus on practical and theoretical refereeing.

Referees who are part of this group will also get the opportunity to officiate at Middlesbrough and York City training grounds throughout the season, whereby a coach will be present each week to help them improve.