It's more than just a match! As well the hugely-anticipated BBC Essex Senior Cup Final which will take place between Braintree Town and Concord Rangers, in which we're staging a refereeing workshop at the Jobserve Community Stadium, Colchester United FC.

From 18:15, Select Group Two Referee Matthew Donohue has been lined-up to share his knowledge and experiences as well as how to progress, develop and improve your refereeing skills.

Matthew is currently a Select Group Two Referee who regularly operates on the EFL Championship as a referee. Matthew, who is originally from Southend-on-Sea, began his refereeing in 2002 where he refereed on the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League.

During season 2021/22, he refereed 35 EFL fixtures and acted as a fourth official in 20. Matthew's greatest honours to date have been refereeing in the National League Play-Offs in 2018, refereeing in the EFL Play-Offs in 2022 and acted as the fourth official for the 2019 FA Trophy Final at Wembley.

This will be a great opportunity for Essex County FA referees to attend and hear from Matthew on life refereeing in the professional game. Matthew will also talk about his journey from refereeing on the parks of Essex and the challenges he faced progressing through the footballing pyramid.

Event Information

- Tuesday 21st March 2023
- Jobserve Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP
- Time: 18:15 to 19:30
- Kick off: 19:45

Refereeing Workshop

- Hear from Select Group Two Referee, Matthew Donohue

- Find out about life as a pro

- Q&A with Matthew Donohue