Game Officials Team Up with Huws Gray Group in Preparation for 2025-26 Season

Huws Gray Scores Major Sponsorship Deal with English Football Referees

London, UK – In a landmark partnership, Huws Gray Group, a leading UK supplier of building materials, has become the official sponsor of the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), the body responsible for referees across all levels of English professional football. The deal will see the Huws Gray logo prominently displayed on the kits of referees, assistant referees, and VAR officials throughout the 2023/24 season.

The sponsorship encompasses a vast range of competitions, including the Premier League, EFL championship, League One, League Two, FA Cup, League Cup, Women’s Super League, and more. With a combined attendance of 40 million at live events last year and a television audience reaching nearly 900 million, the partnership offers Huws Gray unprecedented visibility within a rapidly growing sport.Forecasts predict this year’s audience will surpass one billion viewers, fueled by the soaring popularity of women’s football following England’s recent Euro victory.

“We are incredibly proud to announce our sponsorship of PGMO,” said Daksh Gupta, CEO of Huws Gray group. “This partnership is built on shared values of fairness, integrity, expertise, and professionalism – principles that resonate deeply with both organisations and the wider football community. We certainly know that over 83% of our customers follow football and that’s why we have strategically aligned ourselves behind the sport.”

Gupta emphasized the strategic advantage of sponsoring the officials themselves, ensuring neutrality and broad reach. “the partnership with PGMO gives us an exciting opportunity to reach new and existing customers through football, whilst retaining neutrality and not showing bias towards a particular team. It also underscores our ambition to grow our presence and compete at the highest level.” He also highlighted the company’s commitment to inclusivity, noting the sponsorship’s coverage of both men’s and women’s competitions.

Howard Webb, Chief Refereeing Officer of PGMO, welcomed the partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to welcome Huws Gray as our new sleeve partner. it’s great to be working with an organisation that values the crucial role of match officials in the game and shares our commitment to professionalism and excellence. We look forward to a successful collaboration with the Huws Gray team throughout the season ahead.”

The Huws Gray-branded uniforms made their debut on Friday, August 8th, during the EFL Championship match between birmingham City and Ipswich Town, and will also be visible at this weekend’s Community Shield clash between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.This sponsorship coincides with a rebranding initiative for Huws Gray group, reflecting a renewed focus on customer experience and building solutions. The company is rolling out updated branding across its businesses, including new graphics, signage, uniforms, fleet vehicles, and an enhanced online presence.

What specific financial contributions will the Huws Grey Group provide to support official training programs?

Strengthening the Foundation: A New Partnership for Game Day Excellence

The upcoming 2025-26 season will see a critically important boost in support for game officials, thanks to a new partnership between governing bodies and the Huws Gray Group. This collaboration focuses on providing enhanced training, resources, and equipment to ensure the highest standards of officiating across various sporting levels. This initiative addresses growing concerns regarding official recruitment and retention, aiming to foster a more positive and supportive habitat for those crucial to fair play. Key areas of focus include referee advancement, umpire training, and linesperson support.

The scope of the Collaboration: What Does This Mean for Officials?

The Huws Gray Group, a leading supplier to the construction industry, is extending its commitment to community support by investing in the future of sports officiating. The partnership encompasses several key elements:

Financial Investment: Huws Gray Group will provide considerable financial backing for official training programs,covering costs associated with courses,workshops,and certification.This funding will be crucial in expanding access to quality development opportunities.

Equipment Upgrades: Officials will benefit from access to modern, high-quality equipment, including communication systems, timing devices, and protective gear. Improved equipment directly impacts accuracy and safety on the field.

Enhanced Training Modules: New training modules will be developed, focusing on areas such as game management, conflict resolution, and rule interpretation. these modules will leverage the latest technology and best practices in officiating.

Mentorship Programs: Experienced officials will be paired with newer recruits to provide guidance, support, and practical advice.Mentorship is a proven method for accelerating skill development and building confidence.

Wellbeing Support: Recognizing the pressures faced by officials,the partnership will also incorporate wellbeing initiatives,offering resources for stress management and mental health support.

Benefits of improved Officiating: A Ripple Effect

investing in game officials isn’t just about improving the quality of games; it has a broader positive impact:

Fair Play & Sportsmanship: Accurate and consistent officiating promotes fair play and encourages sportsmanship among players and teams.

Enhanced Player Experience: A well-managed game,free from controversial calls,contributes to a more enjoyable experience for all participants.

Increased Participation: A positive officiating environment can attract and retain both players and officials,boosting overall participation in sports.

Community Building: Strong officiating supports local leagues and tournaments, fostering a sense of community around sports.

Reduced Conflict: Proactive training in conflict resolution equips officials to handle challenging situations effectively, minimizing disputes and maintaining control.

Addressing the Official Shortage: A Critical Need

Manny sports are currently facing a significant shortage of qualified officials. This shortage is driven by factors such as:

Increased Abuse & Misconduct: Officials are often subjected to verbal abuse from players, coaches, and spectators.

Time Commitment: Officiating requires a significant time commitment for training, travel, and game assignments.

Low Pay: Compensation for officiating is often inadequate, particularly at lower levels.

Lack of Support: Many officials feel unsupported by governing bodies and the wider sporting community.

the Huws gray Group partnership directly addresses these challenges by creating a more supportive and rewarding environment for officials. By investing in training, equipment, and wellbeing, the initiative aims to attract new recruits and retain existing officials.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Officials

Interested in becoming a game official? Here are a few practical tips to get started:

1. Research Governing Bodies: Identify the governing body for the sport you’re interested in officiating and explore their training programs.
2. Attend Clinics & Workshops: Participate in clinics and workshops to learn the rules of the game and develop your officiating skills.
3. Seek Mentorship: connect with experienced officials and ask for guidance and advice.
4. Join an Association: joining a local officiating association provides access to resources, support, and game assignments.
5. Prioritize Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date on rule changes and best practices by attending ongoing training and development opportunities.

Case Study: successful Officiating Development Programs

Several sports have already implemented successful officiating development programs. For example, USA Hockey’s officiating development program has seen a significant increase in the number of certified officials in recent years, thanks to a focus on training, mentorship, and support. Similarly, the NFL’s officiating development program utilizes advanced technology and rigorous evaluation to ensure the highest standards of officiating at the professional level. These programs serve as models for the Huws Gray Group partnership, demonstrating the potential for positive change through strategic investment and collaboration.

Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season and Beyond

The partnership between game officials and the Huws Gray Group represents a significant step forward in supporting the vital role of officiating in sports. As the 2025-26 season approaches, the focus will be on implementing the new initiatives and measuring their impact. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable officiating pipeline, ensuring that all levels of sport benefit from fair, accurate