Two English referees have arrived in Melbourne to referee NPL matches this weekend as part of a referee exchange program between FFA & PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).

The PGMOL group officiate across all the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Football Association (FA) Competitions in England, as well as undertaking the training, development and mentoring of 109 referees and 206 assistant referees.

David Webb will officiate the Pascoe Vale vs. Avondale FC match tonight at C.B Smith Reserve, whilst Michael Salisbury will officiate the South Melbourne vs Hume City match at Albert Park this Sunday.

Salisbury of Lancashire FA has been a Football League Referee for two seasons. He was an assistant referee in the Premier League prior to this and was named Reserve Assistant Referee in the 2015/16 FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Wembley.

Webb of Durham FA has been to Wembley as recently as May, refereeing the Football League Two Play Off Final. Webb has been involved in the Football League for ten years and has accumulated a wealth of experience.

FFV Referees Manager Luke Brennan had this to say about the exchange:

We are really appreciative to PGMOL and FFA for selecting NPLV as the competition for the exchange. It provides a fantastic opportunity for our referees to work with elite referees from the English game, some of the most high profile leagues in the world. During next week our talent pool and referee academy referees will also have access to learn from David & Michael which will be an excellent learning opportunity for them as they continue to improve through our development programs.