Yes - It's a 'Contact Sport'

I reckon I'm pretty lucky really. I've been playing sport, and football in particular, for 15 years now;

• I broke my finger in a match playing with Riverside when I was around eight 
• I cracked my Pelvis in a match playing with Derby County when I was about thirteen

Anyway, this weekend I added to the list. I had been playing for 15 minutes, and already scored a goal. I went back in for another goal and jumped into the air to give it some welly, I made contact with the ball at the same time a defender came in with a late tackle and literally sent me flying. I landed like a sack of potato's on my lower back - just about caught my shot going into the net though.

I immediately couldn't feel my legs. and was so scared. Fortunately there was another football pitch close to ours, so the match was moved across, to enable me not to be moved. I was covered with space blankets and jackets. An ambulance was called.

Well 2 hours later with many chasing phone calls to 999, and the same response of 'we have no ambulances available', finally an ambulance arrived. It was now very dark, on a football pitch at the top end of a very open field. Even though I had lots of covers over and under me, and my Mum cuddling me to keep me warm, I still had on set of hypothermia.

The hospital Nurses and Doctors were great. After much investigation (8 hours) I was cleared of any fractures, and informed that I had muscular / Nerve damage, but I would be admitted into hospital. A further 12 hours later, there was still no bed available. Eventually with some heavy painkillers and crutches, my Mum took me home to be nursed there - Me and Mum had been up for 40 hours by then, so the thought of going home to our own beds - that were definitely available, was great.

I'm still very sore, but happy that the damage wasn't any worse. I had a couple of days rest, but I've started physiotherapy and Mum is overseeing my stretches and hydrotherapy now, so I won't be out of action for too long.

I was so touched by my friends and family, who were all sending me get well wishes, and visiting me.

Women in Football

Had a great evening last Tuesday thanks to the 'Women in Football' network group, and especially Shelley Alexander.

We were invited to the wonderfully impressive BBC Broadcasting House for an evening of presentations, networking and awards. 

For starters - I was so in awe of Broadcasting House. When we got there they were preparing for 'The One Show', that was going on-air about an hour later. Staff talking through the shows sequence, whilst technicians scurried around sorting out the set. 

When we went inside, and once we got through the 'airport style' security. we were escorted past the extremely busy 'News Floor', and whilst in the glass lifts (playing Radio 2) we travelled the world of the BBC, travelling through shows such as 'One Show' and Watch Dog'. It was like being in a TV Production version of  'Willy Wonka'.

Our event was on the 7th Floor. A purpose built presentation area with a small audience stand. We were greeted with a drink, and immediately were greeted by Ladies who were now becoming good friends as well as associates. These events certainly do what they say on the tin - Women from all area's within football attend, and the help and advise that I get is amazing. 

The event consisted of awards to inspirational women within the football family, all very hard worked for, and all very well deserved. We were also so fortunate to have inspirational speakers from within the football medical teams and the media teams

At the half-time break, we were treated to pizza and drinks. I had some great discussions with other Referee's and some of the Media Girls. And to top it all, and prove that Networking works - I managed to get invited to do a sports programme on Radio 4. 

These events are great;

• They let you know that you're not the only female within the game
• They understand the industry
• They are there to help you

The event finished at 10pm. Travelling back through the BBC, the floors were now very quiet - until you got to the ground floor, where the news teams were still in full pelt. When I left the building, another show was being prepared outside 'Broadcasting House'. 

Fantastic Place

Football in Mourning

Football is incredible;

• It's Worldwide - It encompasses the globe, whether Southern or Northern Hemisphere, whether Cold Climate or Hot. 
• It doesn't care whether you play in a poor or affluent area. 
• It doesn't matter what colour you are
• It doesn't matter what sex you are
• Disability football covers as much as it possibly can
• It doesn't matter what age you are, whether you are at a Toddlers kick about, or Walking Football. 
• It is played from the mountains and high altitude of Peru, to the Islands of the Seychelles. 
• It is played by Public Schools with vasts wealth, and by refugees in transit camps

Football - the game doesn't care about such things as race, creed, colour, religion or sexuality;

Have you got a ball - or tin can

Is there something that you can aim for as a goal

Then that is what matters. 

Football is a family, it has one language. 

As players and fans we are extremely competitive. and yes vast businesses have grown on the back of football. 

BUT

When tragedy hits the sport, we are together as one; 

Chapecoensa FC

When the plane carrying Chapecoensa FC, their support staff and journalists crashed last night, it left only six personnel surviving. Three of the team, two airline staff and one journalist. The team was seen as a wonderful example of a small team, from a small town, that had managed to defeat all those bigger more famous teams, to get to the Final of the second largest tournament in South America. They were at the height of their game, the most exciting period of their lives. 

I send a prayer to them and their families, Although little consolation, I hope they find some solace in the realisation that the football family is sending their thoughts and prayers to them. 

Lets hope that as a football nation we can help them to provide a fitting tribute to their hero's, who had provided so much excitement, hopes and dreams. for themselves, their families and their nation. 

Military Football

November is always a poignant month for the Military. Remembrance is so important for current generations to show their respect to all who have served their country, whether in the military or not, and there have been many that have worked hard towards looking after Great Britain.

What do you know about Military Football?

Without a doubt the  most famous football match is probably the match played on Christmas Day 1914 - The Christmas Truce. Many articles have been written about it, many art-works painted, and rightly so, it was a 'Match made in Heaven'. A match between Guy's of a similar age, who loved a game of football, and for whom the sport gave that joyous respite. Them Guy's were the same sort of men, it just happens that they were born in different countries, and that is all.

FA Cup Final

Are you aware that the first ever FA Cup Final was played at 3.05pm on Saturday 16 March 1872?

Wanderers v Royal Engineers, played at the 'Kennington Oval' in front of a largely middle-class crowd of 2000, each having paid a shilling to watch.

In those days the matches were played without crossbars, or goal-nets. There were no free kicks, or penalties, and the pitch had no centre circle or half way line. After every goal, the team would change ends - It was basically how I would play in the park with my mates - How the game has moved on.

Wanderers team was made up of the best players from Public Schools and Universities, but the Royal Engineers were the firm favourites. Unfortunately for the RE, Lt Cresswell broke his collar bone ten minutes into the game (the first ever recorded accident in football), this slowed him down for the rest of the match !!!! - how times have changed.

Teams

Wanderers; R.De C Welch, CW Alcock, MP Betts, AG Bonsor, EE Bowen, WP Crake, TC Hooman, E Lubbock, AC Thompson, RWS Vidal, CHR Wollaston

Royal Engineers; Capt Marindin, Capt Merriman, Lt Addison, Lt Cresswell, Lt Michell, Lt Renny-Tailyour, Lt Rich, Lt Goodwyn, Lt Muirhead, Lt Cotter, Lt Bogle

The game was won by Wanderers 1-0 with Betts the scorer

Referee; A Stair

Notice that the Royal Engineers team was made up of Commissioned Officers only - Different Times !!!

The Royal Engineers were the pioneers of the modern game;

• They were the first to pass the ball to each other instead of kicking the ball ahead and everyone charging for it. Opposition had to change their game when playing the RE team. 
• They were the first to go on a football tour. They toured Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield in 1873

In 1875 the Royal Engineers won the FA Cup Final. 

To this day the Royal Engineers have a veterans squad that are invited to various events. 

England

The following six players played for England whilst on the books of Royal Engineers A.F.C. The number of caps gained while playing for club is in brackets. 

• Horace Barnet (1 cap)
• Alfred Goodwyn (1 cap)
• Herbert Rawson (1 cap)
• Bruce Russell (1 cap)
• Pelham von Donop (2 caps)
• Cecil Wingfield-Stratford (1 cap)

Scotland

The following played for Scotland whilst on the books of Royal Engineers A.F.C.:

• John Edward Blackburn (1 cap)
• Henry Renny-Tailyour (1 cap)

http://www.sapperfootball.co.uk/

BT Sport - Referee Documentary

I had a great day yesterday!!

I was lucky enough to be asked if I would like to be involved in a new documentary which will be shown on BT Sport in Feb 17.

Without giving anything away - I spent yesterday morning being interviewed at my local football clubs lovely clubhouse - Attenborough FC. Amid several camera's and a wonderful production crew, Tom Watts and I talked about football and refereeing. Stopping only for a tasty picnic and cuppa tea.

The camera crew then quickly drove ahead to the football pitch where I was refereeing in the afternoon, to enable them to shoot the match, from the first arrivals at the ground, and throughout the match. When I arrived it was full steam ahead to normal match preparation only this time with a microphone attached (which stayed on throughout the match), and TV camera's following my every move.

The match ended up being a great battle between Bilborough and Newark - Absolutely  perfect for the documentary. It was feisty with a couple of cards being given, and a couple of heated moments between players. The game was a draw right up to the last couple of minutes, when an exciting end to end play gave a winning goal.

I really enjoyed the day, I loved being part of the production. It was another learning experience for me and one that hopefully I can keep an involvement in.

Jurgen - A Maverick

I like Jurgen Klopp.

He seems to have his own mind. If he thinks it is the right thing to do, then he does it. He's not scared of making decisions, no matter how uncomfortable to him or others. If it needs saying, he says it. He's obviously passionate about football - You just need to watch him throughout a match, to see an array of dance moves and facial expressions.

He has been getting involved in the community, getting to know people, what makes them tick, what else is out there, what do people do in their spare time. He's a people person, who like to know about life, and just what makes it work. I love his recent advert for 'Nivea Men', where he waves from the coach at a young girl, and she throws him the 'Loser' sign - his expression is great, and the fact that he obviously enjoyed playing the role is testament to Jurgen.

Jurgen recently had a game of 'Crown Green Bowls' - my family's other sporting love. He played with three Liverpool fans at the Formby Holy Trinity Bowls Club, and apparently had a good time. Crown Green bowling is having a great revival at the moment following the successful filming of the main tournament in bowling' The Waterloo' - held at Blackpool every September. My Great Great Uncle was Harry Rigby, who was the presenter of the Waterloo final when it was previously on TV. Anyway, I'm sure if Jurgen fancied another game of bowls, I could give him a run for his money.

I know - this is flat green - trying it out with Grandad

Uncle Harry Rigby - Well worth a google - such a character

They say that Crown Green Bowling is an old-mans game. The game actually attracts people of all ages. However the Old Man bit is correct in the fact that bowls keep's you fit, healthy, with plenty of fresh air, competitive and with plenty of friends, All things that enable you to live to a grand old age.

My Grandad has often spoken of when Bert Trautmann played for Man City. He had to overcome so much after being signed so shortly after the end of WW2, but the way he went about earning the adoration of Manchester, and changing people's views, is still so relevant today - and Jurgen has proved that it still works.

SOCCEREX 2016 -

Network, Network, Network

Another successful year of Soccerex. I drove over to Manchester on a sunny day looking forward to a day of well organised, informative presentations, and ample opportunity to Network with old friends and start relationships with new contacts - All of us working within the football industry.

At Manchester Central Convention Complex, the entrance to the building was adorned with Soccerex flags and video screens showing the inside of the show. At a cost of over £1000 per ticket, it was only going to be those whose business was going to benefit from attending who would walk past those burly security guards.

Inside were around 50 stalls of top tier organisations, ranging from Tailors to 5+ star hotels, coaching academies to technology leaders. I didn't find it quite as varied as had been in previous years, but there was still plenty to look at and new technology to be aware of. I met several owners of the top tier companies who I have got to know over the years, all really pleasant and all extremely helpful and interesting. I'm lucky as one of a few Girls around, that I am noticeable and enjoy the fact that most of the Guys are happy to chat with me.

There was definitely more technology based presentations this year, more discussions about social media and how marketing and fan enjoyment was changing - how was the industry keeping abreast of the changes, and who were the players taking this progress forward.

There was a whole afternoon of women in football, with panels including top players, top business women and top media females. Discussions about the present role of women in football, and how quick the women's game was going to progress.I spoke with friends from the 'women in football' organisation, and chatted with the ladies from 'She-Kicks'.

I was surprised at how many people I knew. The conversation was definitely flowing, and I was introduced to other associates who I have already started to contact. It is a fantastic day to Network and relax in an environment where you know that everyone had that interest of football, and you could start a conversation with anyone.

Networking is so important. It is scary at first, but the more you do it, the more confident you become, and then the more benefits you see from it. It's not about using people, but it is about building up relatonships where you are not only friends or associates, but you are also allies to future business.

Football Scout - Who'd have thought it?

Well, after a few days of quite intense training, I am now a fully fledged Professional Football Scout. I have been around football all my life, and especially since I became a Referee I have been in a position where I know Football and I know the skills required to be a top player. However, saying that, in the last four years I have seen two players at Grassroots who I thought - Wow, they should not be in Grassroot Football. At the time I didn't know how to progress those two players, how to approach them, and who to go to to progress them to the next level. four years latr, I now know. Them two lads are probably around 15 now, and I hope they have been scouted.

My course was held at 'The Globe Centre' Accrington. Great place, made even more exciting by the fact that it was just next to Oswaldtwistle - Somewhere I have wanted to go to ever since I heard of the town on a TV programme. Thre were 15 people on the course, and as usual I was the solitary Female, whereby I got the usual raised eyebrows when I turned up. The Guy's were great, and had travelled far and wide, and I mean far and wide - Asia, New Zealand and Europe. Me getting up at 0500hrs that morning suddenly didn't seem so bad.

Well what of the course?

Lots to learn, but easily understood and picked up if you have been in the football world for a while. I found that because of my having played and referee'd at Grassroots, but also massively, because I had played in a Centre of Excellence, had watched matches at Manchester United's Carrington Training Centre, as well as my working at Nottingham Forest Academy I have a good idea as to what level they do have to be, to be at any professional clubs academy.

Day one was Talent Identification and Safeguarding Children. Both subjcts that required a lot of classroom work, but both subjects are extremely important and as a Scout are the fundamntals by which we work. Although it was a heavy day of concentrating, it was important and relevant.

Day two was Player/Team/Match analysis. This was the day that the Footballers, Coaches enjoyed. The more hands on day. Although the knowledge in the room varied, we all had a love for the sport and a background in the sport. No matter how experienced, this day taught us all a lot, possibly made people realise the intricacy of the professional clubs, and just what a scout is looking for.

I enjoyed the course, it's more knowledge that I now have, but also a heads up to the fact that I am more than capeable of being a Scout. I also know that as a Scout, I will not mess anyone around. I know what is wanted, and I know the sport, the tactical abilities required, the fitness required etc etc If I see someone who fits the bill, I will put them forward, because I believe in my ability. If they are not going to make it, I will not give them false hope.

It's a worthwhile course, and following Leicester City's success this year, whereby they actually stated that one of the top reasons for their success was Scouting, I am looking forward to being able to help that footballer who's dreams could possibly be realised.

My days at Carrington below - Could you be there?

Have Good People Around You

I was back working for the PFA on Sunday. They held their under 9's tournament for the first tme this year. It was a great introduction to the professional clubs, the tournament was well managed (as always), the PFA had plenty of staff on hand to talk to the parents about this new world that they were suddenly in. There were fun elements to, when a few of the club mascots held a race.

The football was a great standard, you could already see that they were thnking about the game, about their next move, about their positioning. There were a couple of the lads that stood out, and played well beyond their years. All of them were amazing, It's incredible to think how good these lads are going to be in 10 years time. Our National teams in the future are looking great.

Although a fantastic achievement already to be accepted into a premiership acadamy, the road ahead is long and tiring, the commitment is your everything, and can be heartbreaking.The PFA provide support staff for both the children and the parents, to ensure that they keep it real, that the children keep up their education, and that they do have something else to fall back on. In realstic terms, becoming a top flight  footballer is a status only so many will achieve, though millions play at glass roots, and thousands are taken on by acadamies, only a few hundred actually sign that hallowed piece of paper called a contract.

Good People - Football is a relatively small world. Once your within the football bubble you do keep meeting the same people around. As with every trade anyone can be a colleague, but a true friend, someone you can trust, and someone who you are just comfortable around will always make that difference. This year at PFA has been great because someone who I absolutley trust and just have a great laugh with is Alan Keegan - the voice of Manchester United. He has been the announcer at all the PFA tournaments. I've known Alan since I was around 9 years old as I played football with his Daughter Hannah, and we are still great friends.

Below are two photos 6 years apart. the first is Alan interviewing me on the Old Trafford pitch during a premiership game, the second was this Sunday, posing with the premiership trophy;

Blimey - Calm Down

Well the season is well under way. The pressure is on, whether it is Premiership or Grassroots. I'm not just talking about the pressure of playing, though that can get hot under the collar;

I referee'd at weekend. Two teams renowned for being overly enthusiastic!!! Though pleasantly suprised that they concentrated on the job at hand. They played really well, and their teamwork was excellent. On team had only 10 men for the first 30 minutes, and did so well to keep the opposition to 1-1.

As opposed to that. Last week I ran the line. 8 cautions, 3 reds and a rather heated fight later, I was knackered. What's all that about - Calm Down.I am competitive, but I know when far is too far. It's a game, get over the 'Football Rage'. I sometimes look at the Footballers in question, and wonder what they would say to their own Children if they acted the same?

Like I said - The pressure is on!!!

People watch a match, they cheer or they jeer, then they go home. They forget that it isn't just the players on the pitch that are under pressure - no matter what league. In fact the grassroots I would say are under immense pressure, in fact I think that even some of the players walk away not realising what people are doing on their behalf in the background;

Financially they are down to the bone. they have to fulfill FA rules and regulations, they need to pay for grounds,lights,food, kit wash, officials, programs etc. That money has to come from somewhere, whether sponsorship, charity matches, football cards or quiz nights. Of course there are things that can be done, maybe a website with advertisement etc, but someone has to give up their time to do this.

I've been watching 'Class of 92, out of their league'. I think it's great for showing those local Salford heroes who give up there time, who support their club through sun, rain and snow. Who are passionate  about giving the footballers the best facilities, the best support, and the best club.

Those back office helpers are at every club. They need our support and our thanks for doing a fantastic job. The Salford Heroes may now be the pin-ups for those people, and your own people may still be very much invisible to you, but the Salford Guy's have at least now heightened the awareness that the club cannot function without them

Referee Association - - #KEEPCALMANDMANAGE 2016

Amazing Weekend put on by the hard working RA-FA Council members. 

Registering on Saturday morning at the Hinckley Island Hotel, I was quite early, but gradually as more and more referee's arrived, I saw familiar faces. That's the thing with the referee world, you might not see someone for a year, but when you greet each other you carry on a conversation as though it's been 5 minutes. 

Once we were registered and had said our hello's, it was off to the practical training sessions. These are sessions that are too good to miss, with the benefits of 'Premiership Referee's', knowledge, and the professional coaches that have given up their valuable time. We were put through real scenario's, and given great feedback on our work. It was a full on couple of hours, complete with fitness tests. 

We then went back to the Hotel to go into syndicate rooms, Again fantastic presentations, handy hints, great knowledge about how to deal with certain situations It's great being able to listen to people at the top of their game talk on a level with you about the business that you want to go into. It's great to see that they are just like you, and it gives you the inspiration to get to the top of your game and become a premiership referee. 

In the evening we had a dinner night, along with a topical quiz. It gave me the chance to dress up, and enjoy socialising with the other course attendee's as well as the top Ref;s. It was a late night (as if you hadn't guessed), but absolutely brilliant. Next day, a good training session allowed us to clear our heads and keep on with the learning. 

This is a weekend for any referee wanting to climb the promotion ladder, any referee with hopes to get to the top. It's Networking at it's best, learning with the best, fitness training, brain teasers and comradeship all rolled into one. 

Make sure you book onto it next year - it's so worth it.See the video of the event on Vimeo below. RA FA - Keep calm and Manage (see if you can spot me - I'n in it for all of 5 seconds)

https://vimeo.com/175206052

Football - Back to Basics

Football - The Multi-Billion pound industry, where the players are the pinnacle of success. With companies from team bus transport, to catering. From betting companies to PR. Where one shot of Beckham can make a pair of socks sell out by the next day.

Where tactics are everything, losing that amazing natural football grit and determination. Where betting companies can employ statisticians who can invariably work out who will score next, who will win the match. Where we have lost that awe of sheer talent - I'm not saying that the top Guy's aren't talented, but once your in those top teams, they literally train that talent out of you, so you will play those set moves.

Where you initially loved Football, lived for football, breathed football. Where every day when you got home from school you ran upstairs to change into football kit and went playing on the field till it was too dark to see the ball. When the excitement of grabbing your scarf and setting off to the match was incredible.

How much fun to throw your jumpers on the ground to mark the goal posts, to have 30 of you from school, scouts, youth club playing on the pitch at the same time. 15 a-side, with no referee, yet no trouble at all - just team work and laughter. No set time each way, in fact probably not swapping sides at all. Playing on a sandy beach, playing in a clearing in the woods, playing on a hillside, with holes in the ground that could swallow your foot - yet no one broke their ankle!!!

I saw this video the other day. There's nothing like nature to remind you of what football IS about - and it's not those billions of pounds???

No matter how high up the football pyramid you go, No matter how many millions you make - NEVER lose sight of what made you love the sport in the first place x

IT'S HERE - Let the season begin

Well that summer went quick???

On Saturday I was back at Nottingham Forest in the morning, refereeing the under 16's team against Fulham. Great match, although Forest had the edge. It was a beautiful day, and when we got there it was obvious from the car-park that the 1st Team were in - one day I will get one of those Range Rovers!!!!!. They were playing at home against Burton, with a kick-off of 3pm, but at 11am, they were out training next to my pitch. At half time for my match the pressure was on, when they finished training but decided to watch my match for around 20 minutes. I reckon I did ok, my Mum was sat with some of the 1st team that were playing that afternoon, and she heard them saying 'She did well' - As I was the only female on the pitch, I'll take that one.

On Sunday it was my first match of the season with Radcliffe. Gorgeous day again, if not slightly too warm. We played Coventry and we played really well. Considering we had only started training two weeks before, we really played as a team. I hit the bar twice before rocketing the ball past the keeper and into the net - I'm almost glad that she didn't get behind it, cos it would have really hurt. 

Hitting the bar again!!!!

It was great to be back to normal again, and I felt great on the pitch. 

Birthday Weekend

Well I just had a great weekend - Again!!! My birthday weekend.

I wouldn't say that people know me well, but here are three of my birthday cards

I was so lucky that I even got a pair of 'New Balance' trainers from the referee's that I was doing the tournament with, and a visit from them all in the evening when I went to town with my mates. What a night, so many fantastic friends met up with me, and we were out all night just dancing and laughing.

One of my best mates is a fantastic Artist, and she drew me the most amazing picture of my dog 'Horlicks' with his paw on a football, how clever. and thoughtful.

I had a busy weekend. I went out with my family walking around a local beauty spot - Carsington Water, and having a lovely lunch at their restaurant.

We also went over to Manchester to meet with my Nana and Grandad. Another passion of my families is Speedway and it was the 'World Cup' at Belle Vue.  It was a great night with Great Britain coming 2nd to Poland in an exciting evening of racing. A friend of my Mum's is the Great Britain Manager, so it was nice for Mum to have a chat with him as she hadn't seen him for a while.

Sunday was also a special day as we all went to watch my Brother in a parade. I was so proud of him, and he looked great. He has worked really hard, and the hard work is paying off.

Anyway, it's great that my birthday is out of the football season, so I can really let my hair down. One week to go now and bring on the new season. I'm brushing up on the rule changes this week, so I'm on top of my game.

Dance like No-One is watching

So, I referee'd the first of 5 days of a tournament today. It was hot, it was tiring, but as always it was great to see the teams, the teamwork and the competitiveness. Teams have come from across the globe - USA, Columbia, Holland, Canada, Finland etc They were all great, men, women and children's teams.

Points to note though - for all Referee's out there;

We've all referee'd at a tournament, and we've all noticed those Referee's that turn up first thing, referee a match or two, then disappear - like they have just put on Harry Potters Invisibility Cloak - although they may possibly be found where the refreshments are - If you are going to referee a tournament, it's an all day event, and the referee's are a team to - if you see that someone has referee'd back to back matches for about 6 hours, and you have done one, go and replace them for a while - so they can get a drink or something??????

For those of you in a Referee Coordinators position - whoever you are (cos I didn't actually see you), ensure;

• That there are enough referees to fulfill all the matches
• That the referee's have enough water - especially when the temperature is 27 degree's
• That the referee's are getting breaks
• That the referee's get some lunch
• That you have given all the referees a brief about the event and how it's going to work 

Just Saying!!!!!!

Well anyway, as always I had a good day. Met new people and caught up with old friends. When I got home I decided to do a sport of footy practice in the garden - Always a mistake for me to put music on in the background - I just can't help myself;

Have a slice of the Party Cake

As I've said before, you need to enjoy life. Life is like a cake, made up of slices. If you do too much of one thing, you will miss out on others. There are times in life when one slice does need to take over for a while, whether it be family circumstances or a contract at work. But as soon as possible you need to bring back equilibrium;

My cake has the following segments;

• Family
• Work
• Social Life
• Love / Romance
• Home
• Creativity
• Health and Fitness
• Rest and Relax
• Spirituality
• Money

The list seems very busy, but all the segments are absolutely relevant to give my life that balance and well-being. The list intertwines constantly throughout the year, throughout life. Without spending some time with each segment, you could lose sight of what is important. 

I do work really hard, always working towards my next level that I wish to attain. I also spend a lot of time on health and fitness. But although my family are all very busy, we make time for each other whenever we can; one of our favorite things to do is to go for brunch at 'Homemade Pavilion' Nottingham. gorgeous food, beautiful setting, fantastic decor and what we really love is that they have a cupboard with loads of different board games in it. We usually opt for scrabble. We literally spend around 3 hours there, just chatting, playing games and eating. 

Well last week was holiday time, party time, social time. A time to let my hair down, to go overseas. to relax on a beach with the relaxing beautiful sounds of the sea. At night a time to dance the night away, meet friends old and new and basically recharge ready for a busy time ahead. I went over to Cyprus, a place I am fortunate to have visited before. A place that is near enough to go over and enjoy a weeks holiday, and one where we do still have family friends who live there - just in case.

 Now I'm back, rejuvenated. I've lots of things coming up, but will always work to my life balance. 

What's Occurring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I finished college last month, the end of my compulsory schooling, the beginning of being responsible for my own future. My Mum is trained in psychology and has always instilled in us the requirement to take control of our own lives, not to blame anyone else for an outcome - even if someone or something else does something to stop what you want happening - you still have control of how you deal with it, and therefore still have control in the final outcome.

Another really important skill that she has taught me is 'Networking'. Of all the life-skills Networking is an absolute must.;

It's about meeting people,
it's about learning from people
it's about telling people what you want,
it's about knowing what you want, doing your homework about who can help you and how you can meet that person, then getting into a position where you do meet that person.

It takes work - but then it does works

I do meet a lot of people through playing and refereeing. When I was 16 I created a LinkedIn account, and by really concentrating on it, putting a lot of effort into it, and making sure it was right before going live with it, it has been brilliant. Within 2 years I had received the following offers;

Charity Football Match Official - with Mark Clattenberg
Soccerex Referee - which has since opened up so many more opportunities
Writing articles for various publications
Attendance at 'Kick it Out', which has lead onto my being on the panel

Through this initial beginning, my Networking has progressed even further, to my now having been offered an amazing 'Internship' at a major Football / Sport Agency - How incredible, and also what an amazing business to be in to carry on with the learning and networking - plenty of material for my posts!!

I've also been asked to be in a 'Documentary', to be filmed throughout this coming football season. I will be attending a production meeting in August - can't wait to tell you all about it.

I've also been attending trials over the last few weeks, which have again been arranged via Networking.

If you want to get somewhere, you have to work for it. If you know where you want to get to, do your homework, learn everything you can, then bring on the Networking. Its hard work, but worth it.

The Off-Side Rule Explained !!!!!!

So as Euro 2016 reaches its knockout stages and especially after last night, a few of my Icelandic mates who i used to play football with rang to tell me how sorry they were that England got knocked out.. not! I thought as we have gone and you have the knowledge of the referee signals that will be going on throughout the tournament, one thing that is constantly being brought to my attention is that, even though football is an internationally known and internationally respected game, so many people still have no idea about the offside rule, in my eyes what's not to get, but we will go through this together and get through it... hopefully.

The non football fans version is this.. 

'You're in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till. Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have.

The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire. Both of you have forgotten your purses.

It would be totally rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes.

The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.

Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma.

She prepares to throw her purse to you.

If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes.

At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and, *whilst it is in flight* you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes.

Always remembering that until the purse had *actually been thrown* it would be plain wrong to be forward of the other shopper' 

hopefully to the people out there who wouldn't normally watch football, next time an offside comes up you'll be quick to identify that an offside occurs and even better you'll actually understand what is actually going on!;

The football fans offside rule

first things first, as you will know it isn't an actual offense to be standing in an offside position. Basically, a player is in an offside position if they're nearer to the opponents goal line then both the ball and the second to last defender. 

You aren't in an offside position if: 

-You're in your own half

-You're level with the second to last opponent

-You're level with the the last two opponents

You will be penalised for being offside the moment the ball touches you if it's played to you by one of your own team mates. or if you are interfering in play, so either interfering with an opponent, play or gaining an advantage by being in the position you are.

YOU CANNOT BE OFFSIDE FROM A THROW-IN, GOAL-KICK OR A CORNER KICK!!!

The restart from an offside awarded is an indirect free kick to the other team from where the player on the field of play was caught in a position of offside. 

Euro 2016 Referee signals

So, with Euro 2016 well under way right now, people all over seem to forget and unconsciously lack the knowledge of knowing there are actually 3 teams on the field of play at all times, you got it yet? yes, it's the Home team, away team and... the Referees! The match officials are always such a vital part of the game, after all there would be no game without a referee. The problem is, the ratio of footballers/football fans to referee's is quite frankly shocking, there is a severe lack of referee's but of course most believe they could do a better job than the referee's anyway, coincidentally when there team is losing.
With football of course being such an global sport and money being thrown at the game left, right and center, the referee's decision can be worth a heck of a lot, this can be just in a normal league game, or the FA cup final. However, it seems to me that a lot of fans of the beautiful game are quite clueless of the referee signals and decisions that are given, which could always cause unnecessary heat towards the referee and a bit of controversy between either players, managers or the crowd. Therefore I've decided to put together a little presentation, which will give you all a clear description of all the signals used within the 90 minutes, surprisingly there aren't really that many, so grin and bear it as within a few minutes you'll be fully topped up on the knowledge with referee decision making and the signals which go with it. Here goes;

Above is all the signals of which a referee with use during a game, so at least before you start shouting at the referee or getting confused as to what's happening, once looking at this and drilling it into you, you'll at least know what's going on and well if in your own opinion you don't agree with it, well like the good ol' British saying you're going to have to 'Keep calm and carry on'.

She Kicks Magazine

Last year I was lucky enough to be asked by 'She Kicks' magazine if they could interview me.

She Kicks - does what it says on the tin. It is a magazine for girls who love their football. It talks about current players, about current matches and about the womens sport in general. It interviews women in the sport;

• How did they get involved
• Who inspired them
• How hard has it been to make it through to a higher level
• Where do you want to get to
• What advice would you give o others.

Womens football is getting more popular, month or month. More girls are taking part in football. When I started playing there were two girls in the whole of the Derbyshire league, myself and a girl called Jess. In my first season I would turn up and the opposition would be whispering 'it's a girl' (as if they had never seen one before). Both myself and Jess were good players - we played for different teams, so the seasons afterwards the lads just got used to us and accepted us as footballers. Now, when I have refereed the odd children s match it's quite unusual for there not to be a girl in the team,

Now, ten years on I am back in the 'It's a Girl' again. When I turn up to referee, teams start to whisper, the crowd starts to whisper. It makes me giggle to be honest; Hopefully over the next few years, more and more girls will become referee's and again it will become a norm. I've always been the sort of person who takes the road less traveled, I don't know why, it's just me. 

I see myself as a footballer, or a referee. I don't see myself as a female footballer, or female referee. I like to be treated exactly the same as any referee or footballer,

That being said, I do want to show younger girls that they can have a career in football, whether it be on or off the pitch;. 

• Yes you do have to prove yourself. 
• Yes you have to work really hard
• Yes it's a long hard road, which is often up hill

Bit it's worth it.

I

Soccer Aid - What a weekend finale

Wow, What an amazing weekend I've just had;

I worked for the PFA again, refereeing the Academy under 10's. Again such a talented group of players, and the more I work with the different age groups, the more I can see the progression from one age range to another. This has been my first year working with the PFA, and I'm already looking forward to seeing a difference in the lads abilities next year.

As always, even within this group of lads there are those that stand out, and I have to say that there was one lad from Watford that was incredible - He will be one that I will be looking out for in the future.

It was great to see two premiership players supporting their own lads at the tournament, although slightly weird knowing that they were watching the game and obviously aware of my refereeing. I held my own though, and got on with the game.

Alan Keegan was the compare for the event again which was really nice, so we caught up on the weeks events, and put the world to rights.

SOCCER-AID

Yesterday was so amazing - Soccer Aid, Robbie Williams baby, which I have attended for the last three times it has been played. For those that don't know Robbie created Soccer Aid to support the charity UNICEF. It has been immensely successful and grows momentum each time (it's on every two years). The event is held at Old Trafford, Theatre of Dreams, which again adds to the amazement and vibe of the event.

This year my Mum, Sister and I were so fortunate to have tickets for the VIP area. It's that area that is always empty till about 5 mins before the match, the one that is on the halfway line and has the best view in the stadium, the one that I always wondered who on earth sat there and what they did before the match. Well now I can tell you - They are looked after extremely well, with delicious food, and easy flowing, nice on the palate drinks

We were surrounded by Celeb's all looking very 'Well Celeb'!!!!!  Designer clothes, very high stilettos, and perfect hairstyles. As a Footballista I dressed 'For a Football Match'!!!!! but as a Fashionista, I still dressed to look good, but casual. Although I might up my game next time slightly.

The fantastic view of the two teams, management and referee's was first class, Collabro singing ;Abide with Me' whilst the greatest ever footballer 'Pele' walked proudly onto the pitch. The excitement of Jose Mourinho as he walked to the VIP, VIP area to take his seat (that's a real important VIP area!!!)

The game was great, with some Celeb's on the pitch really showing their football skills - Olly Murs in particular, and Jack Whitehall amazingly (where did that come from???). Every time Niall Horan walked towards the technical area the screams from the crowd were deafening. Every time Sam Allardyce walked towards the technical area, the screams from the technical area were deafening.

Mark Wright scored a goal he will remember for ever. His wife Michelle Keegan was sat in front of us, and celebrated accordingly. The score ended up England 3 - Rest of the World 2. Again our seats allowed us the view of the presentations and firework display, which were great.

We got home this morning at 0200hrs, a wonderful finish, to a wonderful weekend.

Keeping my Fitness Goals

So this week my mind is still set on my goals.

I was lucky to be asked to be a Referee at the Premiership Academy under 11's' tournament this last weekend. I ref'd or ran the line for 14 matches, all 10 minutes each half - A very respectable 5 hours nearly of running, side stepping, quick turns and controlling of exciting play. The Kids were amazing, fantastic players and definitely an elite group. The weather was incredible, if not probably a little too warm. With matches back to back, we had to really keep on top of our fluid intake.

The Manchester City academy won after a thrilling final against Arsenal. Play was fast, with great moves and clever set plays. It all came down to penalties in the end, at around 8 across an Arsenal player went wide, bless him, his world imploded. He fell to his knees but no amount of consoling from his team mates was helping. The City player walked up, and in my mind probably took the shot too quickly and whilst the other lad was still in view. That being said, the shot was great, but the save by the Arsenal goalie was top notch. The players were jumping around in shock, and the spectators were cheering an amazing piece of football. At 13 across, on the second time round, an Arsenal player hit the post, and Man City ran around the field ending in a celebration football pile back on the pitch.

It was also great to meet up with Alan Keegan again. The Manchester United announcer who is a great family friend, and was the guest presenter at the tournament.

Excellent Day

Monday I was back on my fitness routine, back at the gym spending a couple of hours using the aerobic equipment, as well as doing interval training with the weights. At the gym I also enjoy working on the mats, working on my core.

Tuesday I went to the gym for an hour as we had lots of family things to do, and I sneakily had a wonderful lie-in. I love it when I get a great sleep, and I don't have to put the alarm on.

Today I went to the gym where my Mum works. It always ends up being a  massive work out their as the Lads working out are all trying to be the best. I went with my Sister Paige, and straight away we were invited to join the gym session. It was fast and constant, with no slacking allowed. It was funny when we finished watching a couple of the lads trying to walk down the steps afterwards, with their jelly legs. Great Elvis impressions.