MORE than a dozen students have taken the first step towards becoming the next generation of rugby referees.

Kendal Rugby Club secured funding from the RFU originally for ten young people to attend the young Referees Level one course.

With higher-than-expected levels of interest, the funding was increased to accommodate 13 future officials.

Those taking part were Ben Hall, Kate Birchall, Tom Keast, Ben Grecic, Toby Johnson, Tom Humble, Owen Maher, Josh Woodward, Aaron Quincy-Byrne, Jim O’Riley, Ellie Logan, Philippa Palmer and Vaughan Samson.

Each young person will receive a Level One certificate which will enable them to ref mini and youth games up to U12s. This will be useful with the year 7s at school but also at the club with its mini and youth teams.

The course also gave the students, who came from Dallam School, Queen Katherine School and Kendal College, a great understanding of the rules and awareness of the game as it happens which, if they are young rugby players themselves, is a great skill to have.

Steve Whitehead, general manager and director of rugby at the club, said: "It's great to see so many youngsters passionate about rugby and working with their club to grow our sport.

"Their input, enthusiasm and enjoyment is a key component of what we do at Kendal and we welcome anyone young or old to come along and be a part of it."