Big Day ahead

I've got a big day coming up, one of them days that could make such a difference. It's in two weeks time;

I keep on top of my fitness every day, but I've got to be top of my game, I've got to be in peak condition, and ensure that my skills are well practiced. Obviously, the fact that I do so much training means that I am starting on a good basic level, but I really am taking it up ten notches now.

Follow me over this next two weeks as I see just what a difference my ten notches will make;

Monday I ran 10 miles, but during the run I varied my running style. I'm lucky to live next to some lakes, where there are various paths following different tributaries. These make interval training easy to decide; I varied from sprinting, to normal running at around an 8mph pace, to jogging whilst bringing my heart rate back down. I also varied the distance at which I sprinted, sometimes sprinting for as long as 200 metres , other times sprinting for 50 metres, jogging for 50 metres. This is all very relevant to both refereeing and playing football. Within a match the sprints are of various lengths and sudden, with twists and turns, as well as always thinking about your next move.

I also swam 100 lengths of a 25 metre pool. The pool I went to was my old training pool when I swam competitively. I varied my strokes, which again ensures that I am using all my muscles. Sprint swimming is fantastic for my lungs and overall breathing techniques. At the end I swam a couple of lengths leisurely to bring my heart rate down. The lovely thing is to then just lie on top of the water, close my eyes and let the water just lap around me.

Tuesday I ran 8 miles and went to the gym. I did weights - both upper and lower body, as well as using the gym equipment for aerobic exercise such as cross trainer and bikes.It's good to get in to the gym each week as it also gives me well needed social wellbeing, as I will always see someone I know and spare some time for a chat

Wednesday I ran 8 miles again and also went to a spin class. Spin classes are nails - you can cheat if you like but that doesn't get you anywhere. Doing it properly really does give you a workout, especially when you are changing the speed, the intensity and going from sitting to standing, to sitting. Massively important to bring your heart rate down afterwards and stretch well.

Thursday I went on a 35 mile bike ride. with my Mate. I love going out on my road bike, it's amazing  to just be able to travel such a distance in an hour out in the countryside. I also went out with my mates on Thursday night and pretty much danced the night away, and had such a great night. For me I will work so hard to get my fitness into peak condition, but I also am aware of ensuring that I enjoy myself aswell, and have time for friends and for family. It's all part of maintaining life's balance.

Friday was a sort of day off, although I did go to the park to have a kick around and practice my skills. I caught up with a couple of my friends who were back from University for an hour before having an early night. I have a weekend of refereeing for the PFA in Warwick, so need to be on top of my game.

SOCCEREX

Two years ago I was asked to be the Referee for an event called 'Soccerex'. I hadn't heard of it before, but because it was in Manchester, I jumped at the chance to do it. Along I went to the Etihad Stadium to find my contact.

When I got there this whole mini stadium had been built next to the main stadium, and alongside this was a VIP marqee, TV camera's, a stage with bands playing, a good size seated stand and other smaller stalls. I walked up to some security guys guarding what was obviously the players and VIP entrance. I said I was the referee and was taken to be introduced to the Soccerex Directors.

To say I was shocked was an understatement. I thought I was refereeing a tournament!!!! I guess that is what I was doing, but just on another level.The teams were made up of ex-premiership players and managed by ex-international Managers.

I was taken through to the VIP tent, and given my kit. The whole event was amazing. The days football was great. Alongside the premiership games there were disability games and childrens games which I also refereed. The VIP tent had a constant array of celebrities visiting, and was always well stocked with food, drink and goodies - I was on cloud 9 all day. I was interviewed for various UK and International TV stations, as well as sports journals. My Mum and Grandad joined me over the weekend, and really enjoyed both the football and the VIP area.

The whole weekend is free for the public to attend, it is a fantastic way to see some of your favorite ex-premiership players in action. It's also a great platform for watching other types of football of every ilk whether the limbless, deaf, blind or youngsters showing their skills. There are also plenty of action packed stalls to get involved with such as kick-ups or table tennis football.

Once the weekend is over, Soccerex becomes big business. Soccerex moves across to one of Manchester biggest exhibition centres. As someone said to me 'you're not in the business of football unless you are in Soccerx'. I was in awe of the number of stands, but not just stands, limousine's, executive travel, world class Tailors, private Social Media, PR agencies, financial institutions to name but a few. Top of their game players were walking around without anyone blinking an eye.

The presentations that were plentiful over the three days were incredible, with persons I have only seen on TV, with information so important to anyone in the football industry. Again the refreshments were plentiful and the Networking unrivaled. Having been the referee it put me in an amazing position where people approached me to talk and find out about my involvement - even Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein asked me for a selfie!!!!!

The contacts I met and have kept in touch with are vastly important in my career. The events that came from this event have been amazing and everything I learnt was just WOW - I;m almost speechless!!!!

To top this (as if you could), there were social events put on for both the Monday and Tuesday evening for the Soccerex community. Put together by the company who created the opening ceremony for the Olympics!!!! so they were pretty darn good.

Soccerex is a worldwide organisation with events in all the corners of the world. The main event moves every few years, so the event will move from the UK after this year. If you do anything at all this year, get yourself over to Manchester 24-25 Sep for the public event, or if you have a spare couple of grand, go to the convention 26-28 Sep.

FA Cup Final Tickets

Well; The golden tickets for the FA Cup Final were delivered on Thursday - thank you 'Mr Postman', and thank you especially to my mate at Hampshire FA. re-arrangement of plans over the weekend, and Mum talking nicely to her Boss to get Saturday afternoon off!! and we're away.

It's a 2 hour trip down to Wembley, relatively quiet until the M6 threw the Man United supporters onto the M1. We stopped at the services, which were a sea of Red, queuing at the various food stalls, as though they hadn't eaten for a week I did spot one Crystal Palace car drive into the services, and pretty much immediately drive out again.

I love the walk towards Wembley. As soon as you leave the tube, you hear the singing, the cheers, the shouting. You see groups of people with flags wrapped around them, parents holding their children, whilst the children look in awe at all those crowds. It's thrilling, it's exciting, I love it.

Inside the stadium we found our seats. The very back seats - Mum joked with the staff about taking altitude sickness tablets. Once settled in, the view of the pitch was great. The noise was immense, and we could stand up without bothering anyone. Plus we had a shelf for our drinks which was cool

Personally I thought that Crystal Palace were unfortunate. the first half was disappointing with reference to attacks at goal, the game needed a goal to take it up a notch. When the goal did come, the crowd lifted, and the game followed suit.  The football was so much more exciting after this, all the way through extra time as well.

Although our seats were good, I need to really watch the game again on TV for the better view of the tackles and decisions. This morning on my run I passed a couple of people who I know very well, both had things to say about some of the decisions made.Whilst we were at Wembley I had my usual half-time telephone conversation with my Grandad, who said that the decisions were good. No matter what, decisions are made in a split second, they are given by a referee, based on what he has seen, and are given with absolute good intention.

As far as the players go - It was. 'Super Sub Saturday', they made the difference to everything. They came on with fresh legs, fresh eyes, and were a breath of fresh air.

To be fair. This is the FA Cup Final - Anything can happen!!!! It's not like any other match, it's a friendship tournament where any team could play against a premiership team, or a lower league team. And the friendship goes across to the crowds, where families enjoy this spectacle of football, pomp of showmanship and extravaganza of events.

NETWORKING and LEARNING

On Saturday

I went to a great networking event in London

MUMSNET Workfest

A day of presentations, worksgroups and general chats over lunch, a coffee and an ice-cream. A very relaxed environment with relevant stands of coaches, financial advisors and business women all wanting to pass on their experience to those wishing to advance their current work role or move into a new area all together. 

The day started with a panel of successful women including;

Jo Whiley - Radio 2 DJ

Jess Phillips - MP

Kirstie Mackay - Barclays

Karen Blackett - Mediacom

They were very informative and so funny. I laughed in particular at Jess Phillips clever one-liners that came thick and fast. The set up was very relaxed, and the audience were made to feel very much a part of the chat. 

The key to building your business was very much a favorite from the day. With;

Jenny McNeill - The Ginger Jar

Justine Roberts - Mumsnet

Alex Threipland - Barclays

Lots of hints and information regarding starting your own business. Lots of questions were asked from the audience. As with all the presentations the panel members were all happy to spend time with people afterwards to provide advise. 

And - The Ginger Jar provided cookies and sweets, which were gorgeous to look at and delicious to taste. 

Start Up Does and Don'ts;

Julia Dobson - Village England

Steph Douglas - Don't buy her flowers

Danielle Anderson - Step & Stone

I went into the workshop for 'Start up do's and don'ts' - I scribbled intently as the handy hints were spoken about. Financial hiccups, Time Wasters, absolute must-do's. All things that I found myself so interested in. The ladies all spoke about what inspired them to start their business's, and warned of things like not expecting to get a salary for a couple of years ? Scary

You may wonder why I would go to an event like this, when it's just not Football? 

Well, the information gleamed from such an event is so great, and the networking is life changing. i want to work for myself, I have business idea's and I currently work in contract work, so networking, listening as well as finding mentors is vitally important.

Up and Down sort of week

Well last week did have it's ups and downs!!!

Teachers v 6th Form match was played last week. It's always fun, challenging and physically demanding. Both sides have really good players, and although we are teachers and students, we have such good friendships, this game allows us to show what good mates we are.

The 'Ground Hopper' was great and so well attended. In fact one of the ground hopper spectators had traveled from Edinburgh to watch the match that I ran the line for this afternoon. He had traveled as he had heard that one of the teams from today was possibly having to join with another team for next season, so this would be their last match - That's passion for the 'Grassroots game.

Tuesday at Kick it Out Womens 'Raise your Game' was amazing, with truly inspirational women giving up their time to help, mentor and assist other women to pursue the jobs they want, in the industry they love.

Wednesday was the County Final. Radcliffe v Nottingham Forest. Nottingham Forest were by far the better team. We just weren't passing as well as we should have been. I was up front with three defenders constantly breathing down my neck. It was unfortunate in the first half as when Forest won the toss they chose very tactically - Our Goalie couldn't see the ball because of the sun shining so brightly and being so low - it was almost like she was trying to catch a cloud. That being said Nottingham Forest, did deserve to win, without a doubt - I was a tad upset!!!!

Thursday sent everything into prospective. My Mum sat down with me to tell me that a close friend had died of cancer. He died on Monday, but because I had a lot on this week it was kept from me until after the county cup.He was a lovely, kind hearted, genuine gentleman. I'm so grateful that I could call him a friend. He fought a hard battle, and smiled to the end - RIP Taff.

Today I refereed the under 16's at Nottingham Forest Academy, versus Stoke. Although Stoke won, I felt that Nottingham were the better team. It was a fast paced match, with clever moves and powerful players on the pitch. One of the Forest players in particular is someone to look out for in the future.

This afternoon I ran the line at Trent University, the home of Unity FC, as they played Bingham. Unity were by far the better team. They should have had three in the first half, but the Bingham Goalie worked really hard. It was a good game, very passionate, very end to end. Unity won 2-1

Today I was also fortunate to be able to watch some of the games of the 'Wheelchair Football' championship.Truly amazing players, truly amazing families and carer's who support the teams. The games were great. I haven't watched them before, but was blown away by the speed and skill of the players. The camaraderie of everyone was wonderful, such a pleasant place to be. I spoke with one of the parents who told me a little more about how involved they are;

• The wheelchairs cost between £6000 and £8000 each
• Due to the number of teams the games require a lot of travelling around the country
• There is often a requirement to stay in hotels each weekend

No one would deny paying out any of the above because it is so important in their lives.The Dad I spoke to did tell me that Manchester City do support their local Wheelchair team and have provided a lot of equipment for them. Maybe all the professional teams should look at supporting fantastic teams like the wheelchair clubs. That would impress me!

Have a look at the link below for an insight into the wheelchair teams

www.thewfa.org.uk/

Kick it Out - Women's Raise your Game

Had a great day at 'Birmingham City' today. We were hosted extremely well by the 'Blue's', and were treated to some great presentations;

Marieanne Spacey  - England women's Assistant Manager gave an inspirational talk of her time as a player and her transition to Management. With an obvious passion for football, and a talent for people management, I was blown away by her career, and she has really made me consider coaching as a possibility.

I was lucky to be on a panel sat next to three wonderful 'Women of Football', all giving an amazing talk of their respective jobs.

• Gemma - Sky Sports Producer
• Kirsty - Birmingham City Ladies General Manager
• Vivian - FA Disciplinary

Each wonderful Lady gave a fantastic insight into their careers and their journey to get where they are. Lots of questions came from the floor, which were all answered in a confident and helpful manner. 

I was third in the panel, and after Gemma and Vivian gave such confident presentations, I definatly was nervous. The compare Kelly Somers - Broadcast and multimedia executive, Bournmouth AFC put everyone at ease before we spoke, and her questioning technique was very comfortable. I did my presentation and answered questions from the floor, even raising a couple of laughs - And I loved it!!! No way did I ever think that I would enjoy presenting, but I did. 

A workshop followed by Toby French of 'Careers in Football. A very good presentation, very informative, and a company that can offer lots of support to individuals seeking to work in football. 

Kery's and Corina - two of the Birmingham City Ladies Players visited to give an insight of the new ladies leagues, and what it's like to play and work within it. 

The day included a networking lunch and a couple of coffee breaks, all enabling the attendee's to talk to the mentors or presenters, and gather information from them. 

I loved this day, and loved even more being part of the mentoring / presenting team. I will definitely keep doing these events in the future.

My First Panel!!!!

Excited but Apprehensive about tomorrow.

I'm attending the 'Kick it Out', Womens 'Raise your Game' event, tomorrow (Tues 03 May), which is being held at Birmingham City's ground. #RYG. I've been asked to be a guest on the panel, which I am so chuffed about. Although I am still starting in the Industry, it is all about inspiring others to follow in your footsteps, and helping them along the way. If I can help one person tomorrow, it will be great.

The only dilemma is;

What to wear??? being a fashionista, I know I am going to spend a couple of hours tonight going through my wardrobe, doing a fashion show for my family (after the Tottenham match obviously).

Kick it Out - Womens RYG

This season’s event for women, who are aspiring to work in the football industry, will see a number of guest speakers and mentors provide information about their own journeys into the sport.

As football’s equality and inclusion organisation, Kick It Out is encouraging more women to explore employment opportunities across all levels of football.

The event, which is free, sees one-to-one mentoring sessions, keynote speeches and a panel discussion.

Troy Townsend, Kick It Out’s Education and Development Manager, said: “The demand to work in the football industry shows no sign of letting up and we’re here to open it up to as many people as possible.

“Those attending get to hear from experienced mentors who give up their time to offer valuable advice and contacts.

Ground Hopper - In the Bag

Great Weekend of Football

The ground hopper weekend has been a resounding success. Even the weather stayed on our side!!!  Yesterday evening around 200 spectators watched Attenborough play Awsworth at Attenborough's picturesque ground. Attenborough's groundsmen had done a brilliant job, and the committee ladies kept the crowd well supplied with refreshments. Lots more people taking advantage of the lighter nights and a pleasant evening, watched the match from the lakes area.

The match was a good watch, although Attenborough did have the running and controlled throughout. Awsworth seemed to gather momentum about 10 minutes before half time, it looked like there was going to be a bit of a come back, and there was. Awsworth could have done without half time really, as Attenborough gathered themselves together and came back stronger.

Score - Attenborough 5  Awsworth 1

As I was the Referee for the third match, I didn't see the first match this morning. I went straight over to Bilborough to prepare for my game Bilborogh v Ashland. A crowd of 300 plus arrived to watch a really exciting game. Mum managed to have a look around the little stalls that had popped up;

Pin Badge stall - A stall that everyone spent ages browsing at. Pins from all the non-league clubs across the UK were for sale at £3 each - a bargain. Everyone was looking for obscure clubs at towns and villages where they had lived. Mum found a badge for Ashton United which she lived opposite in her early twenties,but couldn't resist buying a Stockport County pin, the families local team.

Another couple of stalls sold old programs from all leagues, again a wonderful read for a lot of people attending the event. The catering was again in full flow, but being lunch time the good old diet of pie and peas was on sale, and proved to be very popular. The rain had a go but the sun won the battle and shone through.

The match was very equal, and relatively end to end. The teams played hard with very few fouls. Bilborough scored half way through the first half, but never let up on trying to get a second goal, whilst Ashland fought hard to try and get a goal in, but it just wasn't happening. There were several misses on both sides that caused the crowd to gasp, and lots of clever play to keep everyone happy. Really good match all round.

Score - Bilborough 1  Ashland 0

I didn't manage to get to the last matches. Hopefully they went well, the crowd set off eagerly with Sat Nav's engaged and ready to take them to their next location, and the sun carried on lighting up the occasion.