School pupils will train to become the soccer referees of tomorrow.

Kent Football Association (KFA) will deliver FA Referee courses to Sandwich Technology School in February.

The course will lead to the registration at either Level 7 County Referee or Level 8 Youth Referee.

A total 12 students and one member of staff will take part in the programme, which requires the successful completion of a written assessment on the laws of the game as well as the practising of skills on the field.

Details of the programme was given by Nick Dunn of KFA when he visited the school.

He said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Sandwich Technology School for what is hoped will become a regular fixture in both our recruitment calendar and the school’s academic year. Recruiting more match officials is imperative to the longevity of the game, so we are delighted that we have a number of STS pupils who have expressed an interest."

The initiative has come through sponsorship from both Deal Town Rangers and Kent County Council.