Take the Opportunities

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.