Women's Raise Your Game conference 2017

It's that time of year again, the 'kick it out, raise your game' conference. Held at the most amazing and inspiring of location, which is the Ethiad Stadium, home of Manchester City. The conference is there to attract all type of females regardless of ethnicity, background, job role or qualifications to either get involved in job roles in football, be inspired or gain advice and guidance on how to excel in your chosen football career path, or there to see what opportunities and options are out there. Therefore, it's pretty much open to any female who has a interest and passion for football.

Throughout the day, you wont be bored. There is everything on offer to attend from Media and career workshops, to one to one sessions, followed by a general talk of leading women already in top roles within football. The workshops are a great way to extend your knowledge on how to get involved, what you need to do to be involved in football and then a summary of the stories from the speakers of there job role and how they got to where they are now. These are all about learning and listening to people who are already in the jobs they want to be in so a great way to inspire the next generation and brilliant way to gain extensive knowledge in how to thrive within the world of football. 

The one to one session are of course a lot more intimate then the workshops, as you get the chance to speak one on one to the leading professional in a variety of career paths. This is your opportunity to not ony ask every question under the roof, but being a opportunitiest and telling them how good you are as well, as there are constantly jobs arising and you never know they could be on the look out for someone! 

The days agenda provides so much relevant information and fantastic opportunities to lean you towards a career path or maybe even eliminate career path that maybe aren't as up your street as you initially thought, both technically as good as each other. 

Of course, the importance of it being at such an inspiring venue such as the Ethiad, only emphasises what is out there for you in your career and hearing the stories of great panel of leading professionals, that one day were all in your position, looking for there way into the industry. 

In summary, if you're a female looking to get into the football industry in any way, shape or form. This is like LinkedIn but in real life. Leading professionals that are prodominantly there to help you and offer you all the help they can, to hopefully allow you to get in and go far. Or even if you don't get the opportunity to have a one on one chat, like stated previously the workshops are filled with so much advice from a numerous amount of backgrounds, it's so easy to gain great advice and be inspired to fulfill your dreams.

Inspirational Day

I was asked if I would help at a Muslim Community Event.

My Mum was involved with a Muslim Community event this week. The event was for Muslim Girls from 13 to 18 years old and involved a variety of activities. As part of the physical activities my Mum was asked if I would go and run a football session with them.

They did some jogging and circuit training the night before, and they were very tired, so I adjusted my session accordingly. The girls hadn't played football before, so again I needed to do some exercises that were introducing them to;

Dribbling

Passing

Shooting

We were in the Gym hall so had cones laid out and plenty of space for footballs flying everywhere!!! The girls did well, but were lacking in confidence and very slow with their movements. I got them into two teams and gave them an exercise kicking the ball to someone, then running to take that persons place. They started to chatter a bit more, and put a bit more oomph into their passing!

We finished that particular part of the session learning how to do kick-ups which definately had balls shooting off in all directions. They loved doing this, and in fact a couple of the girls really got the hang of it very quickly, which they were chuffed about.

We then went into a 10 mins each way football match.

I admit that I was slightly worried that the game wouldn't be very fast, the passing wouldn't really work and the game would be quite boring ????????

HOW WRONG COULD I BE

The minute the whistle was blown - oh my goodness, these weren't the same girls;

• The girls who were so tired at the gym the night before, were suddenly sprinting, twisting, turning non-stop
• The Girls who were so shy and retiring, were suddenly going in for the tackle, and fearless
• The quiet environment was suddenly so loud and vibrant with the girls either shouting for the ball, or shouting out instructions
• The competitiveness was incredible, without exemption
• AND - within minutes they had got the jist of shouting at the Referee!!!!!!

I had a great time, and I think that the girls did to. They were all so inspirational

And a couple of them would do well in a competitive football team

The Beautiful Game

I was going to post about something else, but given yesterday's events, I decided to write about football - the beautiful game;

I guess it was going to happen at some point, it was just when and where????

It just shows how important football is, that the terrorists decided to attack a team to gain maximum media coverage. They tried it in Paris, and have tried it again to the Borrusia Dortmund team coach.

Football is a beautiful game, and as I have said before; it has worldwide coverage, and needs no language. It provides enjoyment across the globe. Supporters may be passionate about their team and their country. But most of all they are passionate about the game. Football doesn't take kindly to someone trying to spoil the game.

Music and Sport are precious to everyone, they take a person away from the day to day, They take a person to a wonderful place, an amazing memory, friendship, teamwork and understanding.

The resilience shines through though;

• The people of Dortmund inviting Monaco supporters to stay at their houses for the night, Instead of creating terror, the town has now created new friendships, and grown the football family bond stronger #bedsforawayfans 

• The Dortmund team played tonight with strength and vigor. Competitve to the final whistle, and putting in a fine effort. They showed that football wasn't going to bow down. 

• The media coverage was of resilience rather then a damaged coach. 

We need to look after each other, and look after our game. It's everyone's responsibility to keep an eye on everything around you. If you see something suspicious then don't turn a blind eye. The world is only on loan to us, and we need to be able to pass it on to the next generation in a good state. 

Absence of the Normal, 

Presence of the Abnormal

Any doubts, report it. 

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.

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. 

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.

Ground Hopper Football

No - I'd never heard of it before last season either!!!!!

What is Ground Hopping? 

'Ground hoppers are people who love football, mainly Non League for several reasons really, the cost, the friendliness of the clubs and the people that run clubs. Some Groundhoppers go to a new ground every week, some even 2 or 3 new ones a week'.

The above is a quote by the wonderful Mr Rob Hornby;  http://aroundthegrounds2015-16.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/a-non-league-view-of-groundhop.html

There are a few special 'ground hopper' events. The main one being 5 matches over the period of a weekend. The matches are between rivals within the league, and are hosted by different teams. The whole weekend becomes an event, with the grounds supplying food, drink and various other activities such as bouncy castles. The first match is on the Friday evening, with four more on the Saturday. Some fans make a whole weekend of it, booking onto the organised trip, staying in a local hotel and being taken by coach from one match to another. 

There are also all sorts of collectors items to gather from one ground to another. The Friday night will have around 250 supporters, which will increase to around 1000 on the Saturday. The atmosphere is great and the 'ground hoppers' know and love their football. 

Rob brought the 'Ground hopping' event to the Central Midlands League from the Northern League over 14 seasons ago, and it has gone from strength to strength.Last year I was allocated to run the line at a ground hopper match for the Nottinghamshire Senior League. I hadn't a clue what it was about. I was amazed when I saw the number of fans. The atmosphere made it a wonderful evening. My Mum was in the crowd and said that the fans knew the teams and the players, and their interest in the league and teams was immense. 

In the past Sky Sports as well as the major newspapers have covered the events. I believe that some of the local TV and Newspapers will be attending a couple of the games 

The weekend sees the Groundhop begin with a 6.30pm kick off on Friday 29 April at Attenborough FC which is situated in Attenborough Village, where they entertain Awsworth Villa FC.

An early start on the Saturday Morning sees the first match held at The Hetley Pearson Ground  between Beeston FC v Underwood Villa FC at 10.05am. We then head to the Basil Russell Ground, where Bilborough United FC face Ashland Rovers FC with a 12.45pm kick off. Grassington Road, the home of Nottinghamshire FC sees them play Gedling Southbank FC at 3.15pm and we then finish with a 6.15pm kick off at the Inspire Stadium Ground when Real United FC host Unity FC

I have been allocated to referee the 1245 kick off at Basil Russell Ground, which should see a great game, and being the third match of the weekend, the atmosphere will be buzzing. I'm going to watch the Attenborough match on the Friday evening, as that is my local team. 

Local Teams

I must admit, that since becoming a referee I have loved visiting the local league teams. There is so much passion, such a family atmosphere, such love from supporters for their teams and great football. The facilities do differ quite a lot from one team to another, but that commitment is always the same. 

It would be amazing if people started to support their local team. It;s such fun, you can take all the family (including the dog!) and it usually costs around £3 each. There is always a little cafe providing chips and a bar for refreshments - That's cheaper than spending at the very least £200 for a family of four to go to premiership isn't it

Fitness for your Future

As a Referee and Footballer I have to be fit. In a single match I could run about 8 miles, and not just run but sprints and turns alongside concentrating on the match itself. I have to keep my fitness and health up, as it would show in the match if I couldn't keep up with play.

Although I have always done sport, I wouldn't say that I was super fit. I remember when I first started running with my Mum aged about 14 - I was shattered after about a mile, and even that mile was at a slow(ish) pace, Well with time, patience and persistence I got fitter and fitter, my body shape looked better, my mind was more alert and life just offered more;

Here's how I do it;

 Running -


Running costs nothing. It gets you outside getting plenty of fresh air. Have a look around where you live. If your just starting find somewhere flat, ideally a circular route of maybe a mile. Build your self up to doing a couple of loops.

Eventually find more challenging area's. Steps in the local park. The photo to the left is Vernon Park in Stockport near my Nana and Grandad's. There are similar steps near my own house in Nottingham at an area called the Park.

Have fun with your run. Join a charity event such as 'The Colour Run'. Me, Mum, Bro and Sis all entered the 'Colour Run in Nottingham, it was a great day, with plenty of laughter.


Road Cycling -


I love road cycling, it's exhilarating. You need the kit obviously - a decent bike, a helmet and if possible the proper cycle clothing. Join a cycle club it's even better. they organise training and cycle rides. You will meet like-minded people and if you are like me you will meet up a few times a month to go out on your own bike rides.
You don't need to go mad, I tend to go out and do around 50 miles these days, but a nice 10 miler is great.

It's fantastic exercise for your legs and bottom in particular..


Gym -



I  am a gym member, but tend to go more in the darker months. I am an outside person really and find that most of the training I would do in the gym, can be easily done in the fresh air.

Everyone is different, both my Sister and Brother would rather go to a gym than train outside.


The gym does allow you to tailor your training to your needs, and in most gyms there are 'Personal Trainers' who can give you a bit of help. If it's like my gym, there will also be loads of classes - My Mum likes the classes, she does persuade me to go to the Pilates occasionally, but we end up laughing too much.

Swimming -



I swam for Long Eaton when I was younger. We trained four times per week. Now, although I will do a few quick lengths, I swim mainly to relax after a run.

Swimming is a great exercise, especially if you are just starting out on your physical drive. It exercises every part of you, but without putting you under too much pressure.

And if you are near the sea, there is no end of exercise to be done.





Stretching - Massively important after every training session, no matter what.

I've made the mistake of not stretching in the past, and you do suffer the next couple of days. Ensure that you have a stretching routine relevant to the exercise you have been doing. Always give yourself time to bring your heart rate down. Time spent on the Cool Down, is Time well Spent.

What's good for you?

You've Got To Do What's Right for You

Kyra our Goalie in Neil's Angels, was a great goalkeeper, both for us and especially for Nottingham Forest. I knew that when Derby played Notts, it would take a special move to get past her. Well Kyra had the chance to try something a bit different. We lived near 'Holme Pier Point (home of rowing), and Kyra went to have a go one day - She was hooked. She took up Rowing and eventually had to decide between Rowing and Football. Rowing won.

Well in the few years since that decision she has gone from strength to strength. She is now in the Great Britain Rowing Team, and moved out to UCLA on a Rowing scholarship last September. Really proud of her and what she is achieving. She is loving it, she loves the sport, she loves where it is taking her, and she made the right decision for her. You have to do what is right for you, don't be scared to make that jump.

Who knows what might happen - the opportunities are endless

I'll Be Playing In The Final Then!!

Well we did it - We won yesterday.

It was a lovely spring day, perfect for a game of Footy. Radcliffe v Ruddington semi-final. Got to say, that I didn't play my best, though I did put over a couple of on point corners. Fortunately the team were playing well. We out played Ruddington and won well.

Much thanks to Ruddington for a nice game of Football though, and for probably being the most friendly and pleasant team I've ever played against.

Here's a couple of action shots from the Peterborough match which I played in a couple of weeks ago.

Anyway, I now have to tell the Referee association that I can no longer Refereee the final, as I will be playing in it - I did toy with suggesting a new format of the player/manager - Player/Referee - What do you think?

Don't know about you Guy's, but I can't resist practicing my kick-ups - no matter where I am!!!

Even if I'm out shopping !!!!

My Week - This Week!!

Cup Semi Final - Linesman

I ran the line for a cup semi-final during the week. It was freezing. But you bare it, I guess that's what you do when you have so much love for the game. The game was Cotgrave Utd vs Real Utd, virtually bottom against virtually the top of the league, if we put it that way. What would be predicted to happen in this game basically did, Real dominated the game, especially in the first half, they were all over them, never gave them any chance to get involved or create any opportunities at all, apart from the odd count attack, which didnt really lead to much either. However, from a referee perspective, although no game is really ever an 'easy' game, this wasn't an action packed game with just the odd careless fouls going in, mainly from the frustrated Cotgrave players. So this was, in my opinion quite an enjoyable game to be watched.

Today I ran the line for a local league match, Wollaton vs Attenborough, within the Nottingham senior league, this is a local derby between the two clubs, therefore although they have 13 league positions between them both, this is always an exciting game and normally very close. however this one was an exception. Wollaton dominated the whole game, apart from a few minutes within the second half where they got the odd possession and had the confidence to get past players. the biggest and some would say most entertaining bit of the game was in the second half where a young lad came on from the bench, Wollaton had a free kick, so he came on and marked a player but as soon as the free kick happened he ran towards the opponent and went in with excessive force, and a bit of abusive language after the tackle, saw him get sent off before he even got chance to touch the ball, I'd say he was on then off the pitch within a good 10 seconds. who knows, maybe he was late for a date.

Tomorrow is a big day. Radcliffe play in the Semi Final of the women's cup final against Ruddington We had a great game last week against Leicester, but we lost 3-2. This week we need to do exactly what we did against Leicester as we dominated the whole game, but just got robbed in the last 10 minutes. This will be a close match, as this is also seen to be a local derby so both teams will really want to win, however, I have no doubt that we will put all our effort in and bag a few early, and tidy the game up as that's what we lacked against Leicester, so once we have this aspect mastered, I believe there is no stopping us.

And, at the end of the day tomorrow - I will know if I'm either playing in the Final, or Refereeing it?

And to top it all, I got my Referee promotion letter. Happy days.

Derby County - The Rams

I can't say that I was too aware that when I hit 12 I would have to move away from the normal league and Riverside Jets. It's a rule that is often contested, and in deed my Mum did raise questions, but 'rules is rules' and I had to go and find a girls team. I was sad to leave the lads, but they did give me a wonderful leaving present of my shirt and a signed card.

I was lucky that I had already been approached by a few girls teams who had seen me playing in tournaments with 'Neils Angels' - Save that for another post But, me being me - I wanted to trial for a 'Centre of Excellence'. I decided to go for Derby County. The trials took place over three dates, and I was successful.

I played for Derby County for five years. Training twice a week with games on the Saturday. The first year we were in the Midland league playing the likes of Birmingham, Leicester and Aston Villa. After that the league boundaries changed and Derby were in the North West league (????). This suited me well with my Grandparents and other family living in the North West. Away games became away weekends. as we travelled to Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United etc. The games were harder in the North West league, but I liked that because it made me a better player.

When we played under 15's we were invited to Charlotte USA to be in a tournament, so of course we went, what an amazing opportunity this was for me and my team mates. I didn't think it at the start, however the american game of football 'soccer' is very different compared to how we play 4000 miles away back home. As female soccer is dominated sport in the USA there standard was quite a bit better up the ladder then ours had been previously, to say this we still gave every team a run for their money, and won most our matches, getting knocked out in the semi-finals on a very stormy day, so much so that we had to pause the game due to the thunder and lightening threat, which only ever added to the nerves we were feeling, however allowed us to think about the great experience we were having out there. Overall, America was the greatest thing that happened to our team as far as the teams concerned, as we all got along very well and all became very comfortable with each other fairly quickly, as we were all very good friends in the first place, it only made our relationships stronger, which benefited us both as individuals and a team, which showed in our performances on the field whilst we were away.

Refereeing - Playing - What's Occuring

I'll take a break for a week from what got me here and give you an up to date post of what I've been up to with refereeing recently;

I was really chuffed to be asked to be the Senior Linesman for a pre-season friendly between Notts County Ladies and Everton Ladies a couple of weeks ago. It was a lovely day, the match was at Nottingham, the ground was in great condition. The Teams played well and it was a relatively incident free match to be honest.

It was great to see that the match had so many supporters, even though it was just a pre-season fixture. So good to see the interest growing in the Ladies game. From my own point of view -I also wanted to see how I would fair if I went for trials. I've only gone back to playing this year after two seasons out, and I want to get back to the top leagues again.

Tonight my Mum went to a presentation evening on my behalf at the Nottinghamshire FA - great having a PA (I was at work), I found out that I have been allocated the 'Women's Cup Final' as the Referee - Which is great, as long as I don't get to the final with my current football team - Radcliffe Ladies - and we could actually get there, they were in the final last year!!!!

Talking about playing - We played Rotherham yesterday. We dominated the first half, then they bagged a goal before half time. Second half we came out in fighting spirit, I took a shot but hit the floor- managing to just scoop the ball across the packed goal line, to enable Danni to find the back of the net. No Fear though - a few minutes later I managed to find the back of the net myself, in the same style as 'Rashford' - well if it's good enough for him??????

Love my Football,

Manchester United - World Skills Final

As I said in my last post - What a dream to play at the 'Theatre of Dreams', to run on the hallowed turf of Old Trafford. 

Well, every year the top players from the Manchester United Soccer School go to a long weekend event where they compete at football skills to be the winner of the World Skills final. When I say the World Skills final, I really mean it. These are the best players from every school that Manchester United has, so UAE, USA, Europe, Australasia, Far East and India, aswell as UK 

When I first started at MUSS I was determined to win a place at that final, I told my Mum that I would get there. It took 5 years to do it, but then I made the final for the last three years of my attending the school. I was the first player to make it to the final for three years, there were a few that had done two. I was presented with Welbeck's signed shirt as a well done by the MUSS training staff. 

The weekend at the final is amazing, beyond all dreams. All the finalists and a parent/carer stay in a lovely hotel in Manchester. We had a meet and greet meal on the first evening where we would get to know the other finalists, again some of the people I met here have become good friends, and some are also now signed to Championship clubs. 

The next day we spent at Carrington - Manchester United's training facility. It's an amazing place with pitches as pristine as you'll ever see. The indoor training has everything you would ever need, with indoor pitches, various training aids for target shooting, dribbling, shooting etc. The gymnasium has all sorts of equipment and the training rooms have all the up to date equipment. 

Oh - and the car park is pretty impressive, along with the first team players amazing cars and a Chap washing them all !!!!

We trained with the first team coaches in the morning including Rene Meulensteen and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it was hard training but I learnt so much from them. 

In the afternoon we went over to watch the first team training, and then amazingly had the chance to have a kick around with them and spend some time talking and getting autographs - how incredible to meet these footballers and kick a ball around with them. 

The next day we went to Old Trafford and played on the pitch prior to a premiership game. The crowd watched as we played a game and showed some of our skills. I was interviewed by the Manchester United commentator - Alan Keegan, who is lovely and whose Daughter I also became friends with through MUSS

Anyone attending MUSS will benefit from the experience, learn about football and themselves, and meet such amazing new friends

Anyone getting through to the World Skills Final - WILL NEVER FORGET IT 

Where it all began!

I’m 18, but my story begins in the 1930’s. This picture is of my Great Grandad

– Joseph Clarke Vinden

he was a brilliant footballer, renowned in the Manchester area. My Grandad says that people would often stop him in the street, even years later, to tell him what a fantastic player his Dad had been. He was the demon of the back post, a striker with immense power. He received his England call up, how amazing. He was the pride of the family, and the pride of Stockport.

In them days you made your own way to go and meet the rest of the squad. He was told to get to Liverpool to meet the squad, and they would then be boarding a boat to travel over to Ireland. Knowing how important this was, he got to Liverpool early, SO EARLY that he decided he would go and have a drink whilst waiting. My Great Grandad was sociable and started chatting with others in the bar. Before he knew time had flown by. He ran down to the Dock to see the boat on the horizon, already on its way to Ireland. He lost his place and wasn’t asked again.

i can only imagine how he felt. I know how I would have felt. although I never knew him, he has taught me a lot in regards to life in general and more importantly on the field of play. He has taught me that, yes of course you can have banter down the pub, but when it comes to the game, it’s crucial to keep your head switched on, sheer professionalism is needed, until the job is complete, then maybe.. just maybe you could have a pint, or 5.