Contributed Report / The Demopolis Times

The Health Committee of Governor Riley’s Black Belt Action Commission is partnering with the Alabama Youth Soccer Association to hold a free three day soccer referee training course this weekend at the Selma YMCA.

The classes are scheduled for Friday, August 25 from 6:00pm- 9:00pm; Saturday August 26 from 9:00am- 5:00pm; and Sunday, August 27 from 1:00pm- 5:00pm.

The Small Business Development Consortium is assisting in funding this effort.

This will provide an opportunity for interested Black Belt citizens to become certified in order to fill part-time referee positions.

Currently, there is a shortage of youth soccer referees around the state. This class is open to anyone who is sixteen years old or older and attendees must attend all three days in order to complete the class.

The majority of youth soccer games are played on the weekends in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa.

Part-time referees can make up to $40 per game and up to $100 on a Saturday.

Attendees will receive general soccer information on the rules of the game and gain knowledge of the organizational structure of youth soccer and youth soccer refereeing in Alabama.

They will also learn about procedures for acquiring matches to referee and the payment structure for refereeing games.

Those who complete the class will also receive free soccer referee uniforms.

Chad Nichols, Project Manager of the BBAC Health Committee said “This referee training class provides a great opportunity to promote healthy living and to provide part-time job opportunities for our Black Belt citizens.

It is great to see the impact that the Alabama Youth Soccer Association is having in the Black Belt.”

With over 265 members, the Health Committee is the largest of the thirteen committees forming Governor Riley’s Black Belt Action Commission.

The Health Committee members include doctors, nurses, community leaders, church leaders, representatives of non-for profits, and citizens who want to make a difference in 12 county Black Belt region.

For more information on the soccer training or to register for the class, please contact Laurie Stewart with the Governor’s Black Belt Action Commission by dialing 334-353-0442.