Irfan Kawri returned to his old stomping ground looking to inspire the next generation.

Kawri, 43, who lives between Heaton and Smithills, was previously head of recruitment at Wanderers under Keith Hill and is now working as a football insights coach as part of the PGMOL’s elite referee development plan.

The programme’s aims include providing opportunities for match officials to progress up the pyramid and creating a broader pool of diverse officials.

Rebecca Welch became the first female referee to take charge of a Premier League fixture last December, a few days prior to Sam Allison becoming the first black referee to operate in the top flight for 15 years. Moreover, Sunny Singh Gill became the first British South Asian ref in the top flight in March.

“My role involves supporting our match officials in the PGMOL to gain a deeper understanding as part of their holistic development,” Kawri told The Bolton News.

“My work is mainly in the development group, which aims to get high-potential match officials and give them training, coaching and mentoring to make them the best version of themselves.

“From the Championship, League One, League Two and the National League, as well as the women’s pathway, there are opportunities throughout the pyramid.

“Last season, there were also opportunities in the Premier League for Sunny Gill, Sam Allison and Rebecca Welch.”

Kawri was back at Sharples School to speak to the students along with Anthony Taylor, who recently returned from the European Championships in Germany.

“It was a really unique experience for me to go back and speak to the students,” he continued.

“Anthony and I went in as role models to talk about refereeing as a career and the life skills it gives you.

“In football, you have playing, managing and coaching but refereeing is also an important part of the game.

“An important part of what we do at PGMOL is engaging with communities and schools, helping to raise that awareness with young people.

“We want to make refereeing a diverse area where all backgrounds and ethnicities are represented.”

Jaren Baldwin, director of sport at Sharples School, explained the steps they have taken to help youngsters who wish to pursue a career in refereeing.

“It was fantastic to welcome back former student Irfan Kawri and Premier League referee Anthony Taylor who only recently returned from the European Championships,” he said.

“It was an inspirational talk to Year 10 pupils with some key messages to support their next few years in further education and future careers.

“Anthony gave a fascinating insight to the life of a top level referee and how officiating can help develop and a number of key skills required for future employment.

“The school will now be working with local club Bolton United and the FA to train up a number of students to become football officials and apply to bursaries to help fund the qualification.”