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.