How did you become involved in football and when?
Born March 1951 I played from school and was proud as a budding left back to have been selected to captain the U11 School Boys following trials involving some 240 players. I had a nasty playing incident at age 23 from which I made a full recovery but was advised to stop playing, so in the space of 3 weeks I became a qualified referee; I’m still active today and about to start my 34th season. I achieved the Level 3 Contributory League Referees' List and Panel League Assistant Referees' List (Football Combination League and Vauxhall Conference League) having 14 years on the Southern League (12 in the middle) before having to retire through age back to grass roots officiating.
What is your greatest achievement in football?
As a Referee lining the FA County Youth Cup Final in 1985 and lining Cambridge v Oxford Varsity Match 6th December 1989.
What do you most enjoy about your role at the Cambs FA?
The flexibility, the unexpected, working and supporting all kinds of people involved in helping make local football enjoyable.
And what is your greatest challenge in your work?
Taking on fresh challenges such as my latest – County Lead Respect Officer – as we implement The FA Respect programme across all of our Affiliated Leagues in the County from Season 2009/10. As an active Referee I get tremendous satisfaction from helping up and coming Referees to aspire to the level I did and beyond.
Your favourite team?
Ipswich Town – sticky start to season but Roy will get it right.
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