Young referee Helena Obeng praises GFAâ??s â??Catch Them Youngâ?? initiative after U15 Girls Championship

The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) “Catch Them Young Referees” program took centre stage at the second edition of the U15 Girls Championship held in Prampram, showcasing the growing impact of the initiative on youth officiating.

Among the standout participants was Helena Obeng, one of the young referees who officiated the final match of the championship. Sharing her experience, Helena expressed gratitude to the GFA for providing young girls with the platform to develop their refereeing skills.

"I wasn’t scared when I was selected to officiate the finals because our instructors taught us well and have been very helpful, so I was confident," she said. "Since joining the Catch Them Young Referees, I’ve learned a lot from the training. I would encourage anyone who wants to be part of this initiative to do so because it’s very helpful."

Helena also opened up about her personal challenges, recalling how difficult it was to cope with the physical demands of refereeing.

"Running was never easy for me because I really struggled, which nearly made me give up. But with God’s help, I was able to do it," she noted. "I’d tell other young girls with the passion to come and join because it’s really exciting, fun, and you get to learn a lot."

She further praised the GFA for the positive atmosphere at the referees’ training camp.

"Even coming to camp is a nice feeling. We’re being taken good care of, from the food to other things. I want to work hard and be a FIFA referee one day," Helena said.

Helena concluded by expressing appreciation to the GFA for sustaining the initiative.

"I’ll take this opportunity to thank the GFA for what they’re doing for us. I’d ask them to continue doing it," she added.

Launched five years ago, the Catch Them Young Refereeing Policy aims to identify, train, and nurture young referees between the ages of 13 and 16 to officiate juvenile matches within their regions, a move that continues to strengthen the foundation of Ghana’s football development.

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