“Captains, please!” That’s the common shout of a match official to kick off a game, although it’s one you’ll seldom hear inside a packed-out Old Trafford.

But as a female group of Manchester United Foundation participants discovered recently, on a rain-sodden afternoon at nearby Eccles Sixth Form College, communication is a key quality needed of any referee – and it’s not the only piece of dialogue they were practicing.

As part of a refereeing qualification being delivered by the Manchester Football Association, our young people learned the distinctions between the different signals that are required of a match official during a game, including practicing the calls they must make to award a penalty, free-kick, offside decision and much more.

Participants from across the Foundation’s programme had the chance to put the theory they learned in the classroom into practice on the pitch – including those who attend our Street Reds community football sessions and our partner high schools.

“We’re learning the rules and laws of the game and how to referee at different levels,” explained Xante, a pupil at Dean Trust Ardwick.

“There is a lot of stuff that I didn’t know, even coming down to basic offsides and all 17 laws of the game. It was quite interesting and I learned a lot, it was enjoyable. After I’ve got this qualification, I can referee in grassroots games so it will help me earn some experience.”

Amelia, who attends and volunteers at our Street Reds project in Stretford, added: “I’ve been doing my refereeing course over the past two days, it ensures I get my qualification and have another pathway in the future.

“My understanding is a lot clearer, and for example, I know how to signal for a direct or indirect free-kick. It gives me more experience for what I want to do in the future.”

Lily-Jade, also involved in Street Reds, this time at The East Manchester Academy session in Wythenshawe, feels the course will bring wider benefits, beyond just football: “I’ve refereed in some tournaments with the Foundation before, but not in any matches. It’s a really enjoyable role, the game can’t be played without a referee.

“We’ve been learning about how to deal with different situations, which has been really helpful with all those different skills because they are things you use elsewhere, not just in football. You understand the role a bit more and learn some of the inside details.”

Congratulations to all 23 participants who earned their refereeing qualification as part of this course – and we wish you luck with your officiating endeavours in the future!