A HEREFORD referee says he cannot wait for a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to officiate at a football tournament that will feature some of the best young players on the planet.

Sean Arrowsmith will be at the IberCup – a youth event in Portugal that in the past has seen global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo hone his skills.

Next year's event takes place in March, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City all confirming their place.

"I arrive on March 26 and it runs for a week," said Arrowsmith, who is being sponsored by Rotherwas firm Wyepak.

"It is something I've always wanted to do so I thought I'd give it a go.

"I never thought I would referee on the world stage until this came along.

"I'm one of only 17 people that was put through from over 200 applicants so I feel very lucky.

"It's going to be quite a big tournament and they're going to have it in the UK in two years' time.

"It's going to be an experience of a lifetime."

Arrowsmith – who is also a player/assistant manager at HFA County League Division Two side Credenhill – has been refereeing for seven years from the age of 14.

"I had to do a phone interview and we talked about my general refereeing and a bit about myself," added Arrowsmith.

"Then a week later I was told that I had been chosen to go to Portugal."