Female Referees Programme launches as part of HER Outdoors Week

Dublin City Council, in collaboration with the FAI and Sport Ireland, has launched a new Female Referee Programme as part of HER Outdoors Week 2025. 

Taking place on Saturday 16th August at Irishtown Stadium (10am–4pm), this free, full-day event offers an introduction to football refereeing in a supportive, environment.

The Council’s Sport & Wellbeing Partnership is hosting the initiative, which is a direct outcome of a special Her Moves youth engagement event hosted by former Lord Mayor Emma Blain, where 52 girls and young women involved in sport across Dublin City came together to share their experiences and ideas for making sport more inclusive and accessible.

One of the strongest calls from that day was the need to create more opportunities for females to engage in sport beyond playing, including refereeing, coaching, and leadership roles.

Delivered in partnership with the FAI, this training day will provide participants with a solid foundation in refereeing, practical skills, and insights from experienced officials.

The goal is to build confidence, open pathways, and increase female representation in officiating, helping to shape a more balanced future for sport.

What to Expect:

Introductory referee training

Guidance from qualified instructors

Networking with other women in sport

A fun, active learning environment

Details:

Irishtown Stadium

Saturday 16th August, 10am–4pm

Free (Registration required)

To sign up follow the registration link in the description.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/female-only-referee-beginner-course-tickets-1500993525039?aff=oddtdtcreator