A SEARCH is being launched to find football referees of the future.

Former Premiership referee Jeff Winter, who retired last year, is the director of the Middlesbrough Football Club Referees Training School and is inviting 14 to 18-year-olds to take part in a six-week course during the summer holidays.

A participant on a previous course is now only one step away from reaching Football League level.

Mr Winter said: "Each year has been a resounding success and we are hoping for more good results this time around.

"Many of those that have taken part are now refereeing in senior football, and the course has been useful for all those who have participated.

"We take those taking part through the laws of the game and they then pass a test before refereeing small-sided games and junior football."

The school is likely to again be based at Middlesbrough Football Community Centre, in Eston.

"It is a brilliant way to get started, and also a great step on the ladder for anyone else that has tried refereeing," said Mr Winter.

For an information pack, write to Richard Mulligan, Middlesbrough Football Club, Riverside Stadium, TS3 6RS.

Adults interested in becoming an official should contact: North Riding County FA, Southlands Centre, Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough, TS3 0HB.