21 young rugby referees have secured kit sponsorship from six Berkshire opticians.

Specsavers stores in Lower Earley, Newbury, Newbury Hectors Way, Reading, Wokingham, and Woodley have united to support the youth match officials, aged between 14 and 24.

The youngsters are part of the Berkshire Youth Match Official programme.

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The sponsorship means Specsavers will be the official sponsor of the signature neon green, blue, pink, and yellow referee jerseys.

The initiative is supported by 11 rugby clubs across Berkshire and aims to develop the skills of the next generation of match officials.

Once fully trained, these referees will officiate youth, adult, formal league, and cup matches.

Sean Caskey, Wokingham Specsavers store director, said: "As local business owners, we are all passionate about supporting our communities, so partnering with the Berkshire Youth Match Official programme, which will produce the next generation of referees, was an obvious one."

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Ravi Bhardwaj, store director of Specsavers in Lower Earley, Reading, and Woodley, added: "It’s great to be involved with an initiative where teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are at its heart."

Currently, 21 young people are enrolled in the Berkshire Youth Match Official programme.

More than 30 have progressed to full adult refereeing in the past five years.

James Denny, co-ordinator of the Berkshire Youth Match Official programme, said: "It can be challenging to find sponsors, so we are absolutely thrilled that Specsavers has stepped in to fund the kits."

Dr John Kelly, club chair of Reading RFC and a referee, added: "We are delighted to partner with such an iconic brand and a strong supporter of communities.

"The young match officials certainly look the part in their new kits and we’re confident that they’ll be keeping their eyes on the ball during their training and beyond."

Over the past 40 years, Specsavers has been committed to staying at the forefront of optical and audiology technology and trends.

The company offers a wide range of services, including eye tests, glasses, contact lenses, hearing checks, hearing aids, and wax removal.

Specsavers also provides a Home Visits service for those unable to visit one of its 1,000 locally owned stores.

The range of eye care services offered by Specsavers not only helps to maintain eye health and vision but also assists in detecting broader health issues.

The sponsorship deal with the Berkshire Youth Match Official programme underscores Specsavers' commitment to community support and engagement.

With the new kits, the young referees are ready to look the part on the field and continue their training and development in the sport.