Shillong, March 10: The Women’s Football Referees Workshop, an initiative by Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), successfully concluded its Shillong edition on March 9. Aimed at enhancing the skills of women match officials across India, the workshop is part of a nationwide effort to create a stronger and more inclusive refereeing ecosystem.
Shillong was the third stop in this series, following workshops in Srinagar (February 21-22) and Kolkata (March 1-2). The initiative, which began on February 21, will continue with upcoming sessions in Chennai (March 15-16) and Mumbai (March 19-20). More than 170 women referees are set to benefit from the program.
Indian women’s football star Ngangom Bala Devi lauded the effort, highlighting the critical role referees play in the sport. “Refereeing is a very challenging job, and I have great respect for all match officials who ensure fair play.
This workshop will empower them to officiate regularly at national and international levels,” she said.
Conducted by top AIFF instructors, including FIFA assistant referee Uvena Fernandes, former India captain and FIFA-listed referee Maria Rebello, and AIFF Zonal Referee Development Officer M Joychandra Singh, the sessions provided technical training and decision-making expertise to the participants.
With women’s football in India on the rise, around 40 women match officials have already officiated in RFYS and Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) competitions this season.
Since 2022, RFYS’s ongoing initiatives have benefited over 620 coaches and women referees, further strengthening the foundation of Indian football officiating.
