REFEREES in the Crewe area are being urged to take up the opportunity to whistle in a local six-a-side league by former Premier League official Mark Clattenburg.

Clattenburg, who regarded as one of the finest match officials of his generation, has been active in six-a-side football since leaving the top flight, refereeing the World six-a-side final last year and helping Leisure Leagues' new officials.

He is full of praise for the merits of the short-sided game, saying: "Six-a-side football is far more participated in now in the UK than 11-a-side. It's a very short game and people can enjoy it after work, and it's not restricted to just the elite."

Leisure Leagues is established at the Cumberland Arena in Crewe where they are looking to offer referees who want a taste of the six-a-side game the opportunity to come to an induction evening in the next few weeks.

Leisure Leagues Senior League Manager, Greg Allen – seen here with Mark Clattenburg – says many referees have given up 11-a-side football because of the way they are treated in FA-organised leagues.

He said: "Referees are leaving 11-a-side in their numbers over the recent past, many citing behaviour and a lack of support as the key issues.

"We simply won't tolerate anything like that. Our leagues must be hubs for the whole community.

"Mark Clattenburg's involvement has helped us hugely in that respect, while in addition we work closely with Ref Support UK and we are certain that anyone who chooses to come and ref with us will notice the difference."

To register for one of the free induction evenings in Crewe click here.