TEENAGERS James Wren and Saul Kay have created their own piece of football history - without even kicking a ball. The pair are believed to be the youngest assistant referees in the Bass Brewers Kent League and recently officiated together in a Premier Division match between Herne Bay and Lordswood.

Quite a feat, since this time last year neither of them had even been on a referees' course. James, 17, and 15-year-old Saul, both graduated from the same training course last March.

Saul, a pupil at Faversham's Queen Elizabeth School, comes from a large footballing family. His father, Simon, played for and managed Whitstable Town, while older brother Seth is at Herne Bay and was in goal when Saul officiated at Winch's Field.

James, from Greenhill, plays regularly at left-back for Ramsgate Under-18s in the MUSH Kent Youth League having previously turned out for Margate's under-16s. Both Saul and James made their bows in the Kent League first division towards the back end of last season, with James gaining his first taste of the Premier Division when Deal played Greenwich last month.

"I was quite nervous at the start but I did reasonably well and to my surprise the players and supporters were OK," he said.

The next seven-week referees' course is due to get under way early next month (February) with sessions running from 7.15-9.30pm on Monday nights at Whitstable FC. The minimum age for applicants is 14 and further details may be obtained from training officer Mike Potts on 01227 770512.