Three of Hong Kong’s top junior referees are on their way to Manila for the annual IASAS Schools Tournament. Steven Green, William Tiller and Owen Ford were selected to represent the HKRU at this tournament due to their hard work both on and off the field as part of the Junior Referee Development Program (JRDP).

Steven – who refereed at the Tournament last year in Bangkok – is joined by William and Owen, 14, who is on his first overseas trip as a referee. All three have been active in the Senior League’s this season and have been developing well as part of the JRDP.

Senior Referee Coach Willy Chan is also with the boys in his role as a CMO (Coach of Match Officials). This is a fantastic reward for Willy who has made huge strides in his role this year and has begun a new task of Performance Reviewing referees at the top end of the game in Hong Kong this season.

The Tournament is held over three days involving some of the best International Schools from around Asia. The HKRU has built a strong relationship with the Tournament organisers who have been impressed with the standard of refereeing by Hong Kong’s junior referees. HKRU Community Referee Manager Matt Rodden is happy with the development of the referees this season. “All of our junior referees have been performing really well so far this season. This trip is a chance to reward them for their efforts and also a chance to develop further in a different environment. We hope to continue this relationship and provide more referees with the chance to travel overseas in coming years.”

The JRDP provides many opportunities throughout the season including upcoming trips to the National School Sevens in London and Development trip to New Zealand. The program is open to all young people who wish to get involved in refereeing, even if they are still playing. To learn more, please contact [email protected]