Source: Erasmus Williams FB
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS — Two assistant referees from Antigua and Barbuda are among 24 match officials representing 15 Member Associations participating in the 2026 edition of the CFU Next Generation Referee Course, currently being held in St. Kitts.
According to the *Antigua and Barbuda Observer*, Robert Emmanuel and Teyarni Mourillon are attending the intensive course, which runs from January 16 to 18.
The three-day programme is designed to sharpen officiating skills, with a strong focus on technical proficiency, physical fitness, and personal development.
The course is being delivered by a team of experienced instructors, including FIFA Fitness Refereeing Instructor and CFU Referees Committee Member Kelesha Antoine; FIFA Technical Instructor Dianne Ferreira-James; Concacaf Technical Instructor Ishan Philip; and Concacaf Fitness Instructor Rohan Thobourne. Dave Meikle, a CFU Committee Member, is serving as Course Administrator.
Following the in-person introductory module, training will transition to an online format, during which instructors will design a bespoke training and mentorship programme for participants. Those who demonstrate excellence will earn appointments to the CFU U-14 Challenge Series, after which in-person training will resume.
Launched in 2022, the Next Generation Referee Programme—commonly known as Next Gen—was established to strengthen referee development across the Caribbean. It targets high-performing match officials within Member Associations who meet the prerequisites for progression to the FIFA International Referees List. The tripartite initiative is supported by CFU Member Associations and Concacaf.
Head of Refereeing at the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA), Graeme Browne, welcomed the opportunity to contribute to regional referee development.
“During our most recent referee recruitment drive, we branded the initiative ‘Finding the Next Generation of Soccer Referees.’ What began as a local effort has evolved into a regional partnership, as the SKNFA and its Refereeing Department proudly join the CFU in developing the next generation of referees,” Browne said.
“On behalf of the SKNFA, and in my capacity as Head of Refereeing, I am delighted to welcome our young male and female referees to St. Kitts and Nevis for the 2026 CFU Next Gen Referee Course. This programme represents the future of officiating, not only for your respective countries, but for the CFU region as a whole,” he added.
“Hosting this course underscores our commitment to developing the next generation of match officials. It will equip participants with the tools, guidance, and mentorship necessary to become confident, knowledgeable, and professional referees. We are confident that their time here will be both educational and inspiring, and that it will play a meaningful role in their continued development.”