BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The stage is set for the 2025 CFU Next Generation Referee Course, a transformative initiative designed to elevate the region’s officiating talent to global prominence.
Running from January 17–19, this highly anticipated program will bring together 22 match officials from 15 Member Associations across the Caribbean to the beautiful island of Barbados.
Pioneering pathway to FIFA recognition
Launched in 2022 with the support of CONCACAF the CFU Next Gen initiative has already proven to be a game-changer for regional referees aspiring to join the esteemed FIFA International Refereeing List. Combining rigorous classroom instruction with immersive on-field training, the course equips participants with the technical, fitness, and leadership skills needed to officiate at the highest levels.
Victor Moore, Head of Refereeing for the Barbados Football Association (BFA), shared his enthusiasm about hosting the event. “We look forward to the 2025 edition with high expectations. This initiative aligns perfectly with the CFU and CONCACAF objective to prepare a skilled panel of match officials for FIFA-recognised tournaments, including the World Cup,” he remarked proudly.
Esteemed faculty and mentorship
The course boasts a stellar line-up of instructors and mentors. Under the guidance of CFU Referee Committee member Dave Meikle, the faculty includes renowned professionals such as: Kelesha Antoine: FIFA Fitness Refereeing Instructor; Dianne Ferreira-James: FIFA Technical Instructor; Victor Stewart: CFU Instructor; Ishan Philip: CONCACAF Technical Instructor; Rohan Thorbourne: CONCACAF Fitness Instructor.
Adding to the prestige, FIFA match officials and World Cup candidates Odette Hamilton (Jamaica) and Crystal Sobers (Trinidad and Tobago) will serve as mentors, offering invaluable insights drawn from their own distinguished careers.
Spanning three intensive days, participants will engage in theoretical sessions, fitness drills, and match simulations. Following the in-person training, the program transitions to a robust online format, where referees will receive tailored mentorship and monitored progress reports. To further hone their skills, participants may be appointed to officiate in competitions such as the CFU Girls U-14 Challenge Series.
Success stories and program impact
The Next Generation initiative has already yielded impressive results, with eight referees from previous cohorts earning spots on the 2025 FIFA International Refereeing List. Notable graduates include McManaman Bedeau (Grenada), Cleon Cully (Barbados), and Jaselle Louison (Barbados), who have made their mark on the global stage.
CFU President Randolph Harris lauded the program’s achievements. “We’ve witnessed remarkable progress. Many of our referees have secured match appointments, advanced through the CONCACAF Academy, and joined the FIFA ranks. The collaborative effort between the CFU, CONCACAF, and Member Associations has been instrumental in achieving these milestones,” he stated.
As the Caribbean’s top refereeing talents gather in Barbados, the 2025 CFU Next Gen Referee Course promises to set the stage for yet another chapter of excellence in regional and global officiating.
