Year 11 Referees Are On The Ball

Five of our Year 11s will be hoping they don’t have to write too much down in their new roles!

Eden, Will, Callum, Ben and Taylor have all qualified through the Lancashire FA to referee matches at junior football league level, at least.

Ben is 16 so he is now a Level 7 qualified referee so he can be the man in the middle in any matches while the rest, until they turn 16, can referee matches a year below their age group.

They are currently officiating in the Central Lancashire Junior Football League, with Taylor also refereeing in the Accrington & District Junior Football League.

They also all play football, four for the Leyland Pirates and Will for Sir Tom Finney.
Ben said: “We went on a three-hour course at night at the Lancashire FA and then spent a full Sunday there. It was good, it inspired me. It was learning from people who are at a good standard.”

One of them was former Priory pupil Ed Duckworth who is a professional referee in the English Football League.

Will said he wanted to be a referee because: “It’s a chance to earn money!” and Eden agreed with him!

Taylor said: “I wanted to do it as it’s just a case of seeing where it can take you. You never know where. For the money as well!

“It does also give you a different perspective on football when you play it.”

Callum said: “I did not have a job so this was a good opportunity to learn something new and make some money.
“It isn’t always easy though. You do get a few players who answer back so it can be tricky.”

Eden said: “You do also get parents shouting at you and it’s hard to say anything back to them so you do have to take it. There isn’t a lot you can say.”

All have had to dish out red and yellow cards and write a few names down in their notebooks so far!

Ben and Taylor were voted in t