Always keep your eyes open, and listen out for opportunities. Refereeing is full of exciting events, matches, and chances. You just need to reach out and grasp them - don't wait for them to come calling (cos they won't!!!)
This last week;
I played twice last week.
Woverhampton 0 - 2
Loughborough 3 - 1
To be honest I played really well against Wolverhampton. The whole team played well. I think that because we didn't have such a good game away to Wolverhampton, we were determined not to let ourselves down. Even though we lost, we were definately happier with our performance.
I wasn't feeling too well during the Loughborough game, I had an awful headache. I played through until around the 60th minute, but asked to come off. I knew I wasn't putting in the turns or sprinting as I should, and I wasn't going in for tackles or heading the ball. It's no use just keeping going when you are not well. You're not doing yourself any favours, and you're not helping your team. I literally went to bed as soon as I got home.
Leicester FC
I was fortunate to be given tickets to watch the Leicster v Watford game this last weekend. I've only been to Leicester once before and that was when I was around 12 years old, in a tournament with Neils Angels. It brought back those wonderful memories, and made me smile. Although that last time there definately wasn't the parking lot of vehicles by the font reception - I would love to park my VW Polo in the middle of them. I reckon it would look so cute.
I enjoyed the match, it was end to end with several chances for both sides. Leicester did start to take control of the match half way through the second half, and won with well worked goals. It was great being at a Premiership match, the size of the crowd, the noise and excitement, The crowds involvement is so much a part of the whole experience. The Leicester fans are so passionate, their commitment so intense, I could only imagine what it must have been like this time last year when they were literally knocking on the trophy door
Referee Diversity Day
Sunday I spent the day at St George's Park at a Referee Diversity event. I love St George's Park. The centre is in the most beautiful rolling countryside, with so many different footballing facilities; Football grass, astro and inside, Futsal pitches, pitches for every type of match thinkable. The event was in the Hilton hotel which is within the grounds. It's the most wonderful hotel, so spacious, so comfortable, with incredible decor and memorabilia all around. The restaurant has panaramic windows allowing the wonderful views to greet you. The food is scrummy and the service is top-notch. The staff at the hotel seem to just love working there - Who wouldn't?
The event was well attended. We were split into round tables of around 8 people, and had discussion topics. The topics were interesting, they were subjects that were current and relevant, and when we had finished discussing we had to present to the rest of the attendee's and open discussion to the floor. The event speakers were very professional and brought with them an incredible amout of experience. They were inspirational and gave you even more confidence to be able to get to the top - no matter what. I particlarly loved Stephen Child's presentation. Stephen has been deaf since he was born, his presentaton skills are great, his presentation was interesting, inspirational and funny. He has never let his deafness stop him progressing. But hat's ff to the PGMOL who also ensure that he has the best aids to ensure that he is equipped to do the job.
Over a lovely lunch I also had the chance to Network. A couple of people from the RA and PGMOL were there who I had met at the film premier last month. It was good to keep conversation with them. I also met with the new lead of womens referee which was great.
The week has been educational, it has been great for my knowledge and for building relationships.
Thursday, 11 May 2017
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
Premier League Under 16's Open Schools Cup Final
It was the final of the Premier League Under 16's Open School Cup Final last week. Hosted at the Manchester City Complex.
If you haven't been to the Man City complex, you should - It's impressive. The facilities are incredible with the main stadium being only one part of it. There are smaller stadiums around the complex for events such as this final. This on top of the Ladies team stadium and retail outlets, it's always very busy.
Well this final had an emotional connection to my family. The final was between Ravens Wood School (Kent) and Reddish Vale High School (Stockport). The connection - My Mum's old school - Reddish Vale. Not only that but my Mum's PE Teacher, is still the Team Manager - Mr Andrew Moores - or Moose as he is called. Bearing in mind that my Mum is now 52, it was anounced at the match that this would be Moose's last match, as he is retiring this year. How apt that he is going out on such a high.
Well again, I couldnt get away from work to get to the match, but Mum and Grandad did and there were already around 100 people there. The match was being filmed and shown live on ESFA TV, which was fantastic - expecially for those fans that hadn't been able to travel. Mum managed to have a chat with some of the staff and also got contact details for me to get onto the Referee team for future matches, which was Mum doing her usual Networking.
Anyway the supporters excitement was loud, the teams came out to music and cheers. Parents looked on proud as punch. The match got under way. Initially Ravens Wood controlled the match. Around 10 minutes in there was a sudden tsunami of school children, The Valers had arrived, loud and on a mission - the coaches from Reddish Vale school had been delayed, but as always with the Valers they make themselves known - it was obviously really handy for Reddish Vale that it is only around 5 miles away from Manchester City's ground.
Whether this made the difference I don't know, but suddenly Reddish Vale's game went into overdrive. They scored, and never looked back, the skills of both side were commendable, with a couple of the players really standing out. The game was a great game and worthy of a final, and being televised.
Ravens Wood 0 Reddish Vale 1
It was an amazing finalle to Moose's Reddish Vale sports career. Reddish Vale has a history of producing great footballers, My Mum and Grandad enjoyed the match, it was as enjoyable (if not more so) than any professional match
If you haven't been to the Man City complex, you should - It's impressive. The facilities are incredible with the main stadium being only one part of it. There are smaller stadiums around the complex for events such as this final. This on top of the Ladies team stadium and retail outlets, it's always very busy.
Well this final had an emotional connection to my family. The final was between Ravens Wood School (Kent) and Reddish Vale High School (Stockport). The connection - My Mum's old school - Reddish Vale. Not only that but my Mum's PE Teacher, is still the Team Manager - Mr Andrew Moores - or Moose as he is called. Bearing in mind that my Mum is now 52, it was anounced at the match that this would be Moose's last match, as he is retiring this year. How apt that he is going out on such a high.
Well again, I couldnt get away from work to get to the match, but Mum and Grandad did and there were already around 100 people there. The match was being filmed and shown live on ESFA TV, which was fantastic - expecially for those fans that hadn't been able to travel. Mum managed to have a chat with some of the staff and also got contact details for me to get onto the Referee team for future matches, which was Mum doing her usual Networking.
Anyway the supporters excitement was loud, the teams came out to music and cheers. Parents looked on proud as punch. The match got under way. Initially Ravens Wood controlled the match. Around 10 minutes in there was a sudden tsunami of school children, The Valers had arrived, loud and on a mission - the coaches from Reddish Vale school had been delayed, but as always with the Valers they make themselves known - it was obviously really handy for Reddish Vale that it is only around 5 miles away from Manchester City's ground.
Whether this made the difference I don't know, but suddenly Reddish Vale's game went into overdrive. They scored, and never looked back, the skills of both side were commendable, with a couple of the players really standing out. The game was a great game and worthy of a final, and being televised.
Ravens Wood 0 Reddish Vale 1
It was an amazing finalle to Moose's Reddish Vale sports career. Reddish Vale has a history of producing great footballers, My Mum and Grandad enjoyed the match, it was as enjoyable (if not more so) than any professional match
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)