Having held a relationship with the Norway Cup for 15 years, Northamptonshire FA will be hosting a pre-season training camp for the Norwegian Football Federation’s (NFF) NORCORE #1 Oslo officials in Northampton between 22nd and 29th March 2018.

NORCORE is the national academy of referees in Norway, with a half split of male and female referees. 

The NFF has arranged flights and hotel accommodation in Northampton town centre for six male referees and six female referees, with a selection process currently being undertaken by Oslo. 

They will range from Level 4 equivalents to Level 6 and female referees will be from the Women’s pyramid, which is a strong format. 

James Campbell, Northants FA CORE Academy Co-ordinator, said: “A total of four coaches will be coming over, including Martin Hayes, the RDO of NFF Oslo, and Elisabeth Thoresen, who is a FIFA Assistant Referee. 

“We will be looking at providing training ground facilities - possibly at Moulton College - to undertake theoretical, practical and fitness training. They would like to officiate on games which we have provisionally discussed with UCL, Northants Senior Youth League, Northampton Town Academy and East Midlands Regional Womens League. 

“Furthermore, NFA CORE and NFA CORE Academy will be moved to Monday 26 March to have a joint training event."

Luke Scott, Northants FA Referee Development Officer, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work that Northamptonshire FA do in terms of referee development, and we are keen to learn from our Norwegian counterparts also. This is an exciting project that is going to put Northamptonshire FA on the map, and we are very much looking forward to working with, and helping to develop the NORCORE referees!”.

For any further information, please contact Luke Scott on Luke.Scott@NorthantsFA.com or 01604 678401.