Our President Daniel Curcio took part to the 18th edition of the “Encontro Nacional Arbitro Jovem”, Portugal’s yearly national meeting for young referees. The meeting, which sees the participation of 100+ young officials from all around the country, is a great development opportunity for younger match officials.
This year’s meeting took part in Beja, in Southern Portugal, and saw the participation for the very first time of a foreign referee, a Referee Abroad member, Matthias Jalving of the Netherlands. The three days were organized in a series of talks, conferences and training sessions held by some of Portugal’s finest such as former international referees Olegario Benquerenca and Duarte Gomes and current FIFA official Luis Godinho. Former FIFA AR Jose Ramalho was also present, among others.
The meeting was also the opportunity to present the two best young officials with a very special award, the possibility of attending next year’s Ibercup Brasil with all expenses paid by the Portuguese Referee Association.
The President of APAF, Luciano Goncalves, said he was “very happy” to welcome Referee Abroad to the meeting. He is also looking forward to welcoming even more young Referee Abroad referees to next year’s meeting.
