MELKSHAM teenager Steven Brenchley is one of just eight referees who have been invited to officiate at this year’s Dallas Cup in America.

The 18-year-old first started refereeing four years ago and now referees in the Trowbridge & District League as well as running the line in the Toolstation Western League.

Despite the seamless step up from youth football to adult football, the teenager still can’t believe he is one of the few to be selected. “It came about through a phone call from George McCaffrey, he just asked if I was interested in going to America because I have been selected to go,” said the Melksham Oak Community School student.

“It came as a complete surprise as I had no idea about it but I’m really proud of myself and quite excited actually. I just enjoy refereeing and working with people in that scenario.

“It’s not too difficult actually because I have had a lot of support from the local FA and senior referees who I am friends with.

“I’m just looking forward to meeting new people, working with the referees who are higher up than me from all over the world, I see it as a learning experience.”

While he is out there, Brenchley can expect intense coaching over the 10 days of competition from 7-17 April.

The Dallas Cup referee family is considered by many to be the world’s best for a youth tournament and boasts world class referees from around the globe.

McCaffrey is an FA observer and the director of the Dallas Cup Referee Academy and selected Brenchley to go out to the tournament later in the year after spotting promise in the youngster.

“He is a young referee with confidence and ambition, who has easily achieved the promotion criteria for level five,” said McCaffrey.

“So this was an easy decision, as I believe he meets many of the criteria required to benefit from a 10 day intensive coaching regime.”