Seeing red: Roger Goodwin could become a Premiership ref

Roger Goodwin, 18, from Hay-on-Wye, Powys, will be groomed on a fast-track course to become one of the next generation of top match officials.

The University of Gloucestershire is working with the FA on the new course.

Citing Italian ref Pierluigi Collina as his hero, Roger said a good referee required good eyesight and a "thick skin".

But the teenager was still cautious about his long-term future.

He said: "You can never be 100% sure you will get to the top and there are a number of things that can scupper your chances including injury and not being good enough."

You have to have a thick skin to be a referee Roger Goodwin

However, he has already been presented with a whistle, yellow and red cards and a tracksuit by the university.

"There's an excellent support system in place between the university and the FA," said Roger, who took up refereeing aged 14.

"I'd like to make it to the Conference league and see where my career takes me from there".

I think Pierluigi Collina is one of the best ever Roger Goodwin

Roger confessed he was not a "great footballer", but had refereed matches for a junior Hay-on-Wye team when he was younger. He said interest in the role grew from there.

But what does it take to become a ref and who does he most admire?

"I think Pierluigi Collina is one of the best ever, but you have to have a thick skin to be a referee.

"You also have to have good man management skills, fitness and good eyesight, of course. You also need to gain the respect of the players."

Peter Durham, director of sports at the university, said the teenager was selected from 20 applicants for the scholarship.

"Roger shone and was clearly the right person for the scholarship when he applied," he said.

"The course is almost like fast-tracking for referees and the sky's the limit.

"We'll obviously have to see how Roger develops, but everything is in place and in five years time it would be great to see him in the Premiership."

The university was the first in the UK to launch similar course for rugby referees last year with the Rugby Football Union.

Roger added: "I think refereeing park football games should put me in good stead for the professional game.