Ryan enjoys both playing and refereeing football

Ryan Kenny of Gorseinon, near Swansea, is thought to be the youngest candidate to pass the Football Association of Wales exam.

He took an eight-week course along with adults five times his age and passed the 90-minute paper with 93%.

His grandfather, Roger Upward, a referee instructor, said the game was desperate for new blood to help officiate games.

Ryan borrows his grandfather's referee kit as he cannot find one small enough to fit him.

Due to his age he is restricted to running mini-football matches but plans on taking charge of senior games as soon as he is old enough.

The football mad youngster plays for Treboeth on Saturdays and then referees on Sundays.

He was one of 19 candidates to take the course and although most were adults, 12-year-old Jacob John of St Thomas in Swansea and Daniel Beckett, aged 14, from Llangennech, also passed.

His grandfather, Mr Upward, who has been a referee for 25 years, said it was highly unusual to have three candidates so young taking the course.

"I've asked about and contacted the referees' association and I'm convinced he is the youngest to have taken the exam," he said.

"They are not really supposed to do it until they are 14 but if they want to, I thought, 'let them'.

"I hope that others seeing them do this will decide to take up refereeing, local football certainly needs as many referees as possible."

Abuse from the touchline and the attitude of some players is blamed for difficulty in recruiting referees.

"There were 19 course, many were club officials because they are called upon to referee these days, and they all passed," added Mr Upward.