Bermuda’s elite football referees are embarking on a path that could result in officiating at some of the world’s biggest tournaments.

Crenstant Williams, chairman of the Bermuda Football Association Referee Committee, has unveiled an ambitious three-year strategic plan aimed at taking Bermudian officials to a Youth World Cup, with a short-term target of taking part in the 2027 Gold Cup.

Bermuda's four top officials ― referee Amaury Majors and referee assistants Stefan Maybury, Clinton Hayward and Natasha Trott ― have been reappointed to Fifa’s International List this year and Williams is confident that they can go on to achieve great things.

“Their achievements signal not only personal success but the emergence of Bermuda as a respected contributor to refereeing across the region and beyond,” Williams told The Royal Gazette.

“This is a remarkable endorsement and we are building a culture of excellence, but achieving this objective will require investment not only financial, but in exposure, education and standards.

“This entails overseas match experience, elite referee training camps, constant assessments, match reviews and pushing fitness levels to meet and exceed international benchmarks.”

As the island’s only man in the middle, Majors will attract most attention after becoming the first Bermudian referee in 20 years to be named on the Fifa List in 2025. Williams is convinced that Majors has the ability to make it to the top as he continues to gain exposure.

“Now entering his second year, Majors has already built an impressive résumé,” Williams said.

“He has officiated at MLS Next Fest in Arizona, the Caribbean Shield, Concacaf international friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, CFU Under-14 matches, the Caribbean Cup semi-final and the Canadian Club Championships.

“His journey is symbolic and proof that Bermudians not only belong on these stages, but can thrive there.”

Williams has also praised Trott, Maybury and Hayward for their consistency with the trio having already gained valuable experience at regional level.

“Continuing to lead by example is Stefan Maybury, who is now entering his fifth year on the Fifa List,” Williams said.

“His professionalism and consistency have seen him appointed to CFU Shield semi-finals, Caribbean Cup matches, and World Cup qualifiers.

“He has his sights firmly set on the Gold Cup and ultimately the Fifa World Cup and represents the ambition now pulsing within Bermuda’s refereeing community.

“Clinton Hayward has also been a mainstay on elite assignments. His appointments include the Caribbean Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025, the Canadian Club Championships, Concacaf international friendlies and an international friendly between the USA and Korea — a clear vote of confidence from regional governing bodies.

“Natasha Trott continues to inspire through resilience. Entering her fifth year on the list, she has spent the past two seasons sidelined through injury but remains determined to return to the international stage in 2026.

“Her dream is to earn selection for a Fifa Women’s World Cup. and her dedication, even through adversity, is a model for the next generation.”

It is not only those at the top inspiring Williams, who is encouraged by a young pool of emerging referees which includes Sar Smith, Isaiah O’Brien, Dash Bailey, Rhys Pedro, Jacob Stickland, Tiras Smith, Chance Franks, Dunstan De’Sa and Royal Fubler Tucker, who range in age from 14 to 18.

In a particularly promising development, Sar Smith has been appointed to the CFU Next Generation Referee Course in St Kitts from January 15 to 19, a prestigious early career opportunity and a prerequisite to achieving Fifa accreditation.

“The future is bright and getting brighter,” Williams said.

“These young officials are being nurtured not just to participate, but to excel and to see refereeing as a legitimate, aspirational pathway in football. Refereeing is often a thankless role, but it remains vital to the integrity and quality of the sport.

“Bermuda’s growing presence shows what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration, and national pride. The island now has officials working World Cup qualifiers, elite regional competitions, youth tournaments and top-tier friendlies, all while inspiring the next generation to pick up the whistle. The message from within the refereeing community is clear: Bermuda belongs here.

“With strategic planning, international exposure and unwavering ambition, Bermuda’s referees are not just keeping pace with the global game, they are stepping confidently into the spotlight, carrying the island crest with professionalism, humility and pride. The world is watching and Bermuda’s officials are ready.”