Just seen read an article on The Athletic about a referee who began at age 11 at Chelsea's academy, he's now 13 and is part of the Surrey FA referee academy. I knew people referee games under the age of 14 for local youth sides, but 13 seems a bit young to be on a CFA refereeing academy as I assumed you would need to be qualified. Well done to the lad though
theathletic.com
'Everyone wants to be Ronaldo or Messi. But I want to be the referee': Young ref Freddie Fraser, 13, meets 'idol' Michael Oliver
Freddie Fraser’s ambition is to break Michael Oliver’s record as the youngest Premier League referee
theathletic.com
