Tell us about how and why you got involved in refereeing?

So obviously as my dad is a referee, he actively promoted me into getting involved in refereeing. 

I could also do a job that I love that would give me a good income for someone my age.

I did the course at West Riding FA at the age of 14.

From the age of 14-16 I refereed junior games all over Leeds, which was really enjoyable and helped me learn a lot about the game.

I can remember my first ever adult Sunday league game when I referred Rawdon vs Horsforth, a real eye-opener to say the least.

What level are you refereeing at?

I am a Level 4 Referee who officiates in the West & South Yorkshire areas and I referee in the Northern Counties, Northern Premier and West Yorkshire League.

What are your greatest achievements in refereeing and why?

This season has gone really well for myself and I’ve had some really good moments and games.

For example, refereeing one of the NCEL Play Off Semi-Finals, the atmosphere was electric and was amazing to be a part of.

I was also lucky enough to referee a final at Doncaster’s stadium which was unbelievable and gave me the feel for what it’s like further up the ladder.

Early in the season I also did a top of the table clash between Eccleshill and Grimsby Borough which again was another great experience.

What is your best memory of refereeing?

A significant point in my refereeing was this year as part of my Sports Science Degree.

As I’m a final year student at Sheffield Hallam University, I decided to do my dissertation on coping mechanisms and pre-performance routines and how the vary between elite and non-elite football officials.

I interviewed a range of referees within the county and referees in the Premier League.

It was a great experience and very enjoyable learning about the ways other referees in the county cope with certain situations that you may face on a football pitch.

It was a great insight to understanding how the referees deal with their own unique stressors and what they do in the pre-performance routines.

Thanks again to those involved.

What are your goals for the future?

A short-term goal for me would be promotion within the next two years.

Obviously, I want to go all the way, but I understand that won’t happen with the click of my fingers.

I know what work needs to be put in and I hope to make it as high as I possibly can.

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced in refereeing and how have you overcome them?

With my dad being a Premier League Referee, it comes with so many benefits and I understand how lucky I am.

But sometimes it does work against me as I’m constantly compared to him and sometimes it gives players a way to dig at me when they disagree with my decisions.

I’ve had some people say I’ll never live up to the likes of my Dad and that can be a bit sole destroying sometimes.

I want people to know that I’m my own person and that I want to make it off my own back not anyone else’s.

I think the way I overcome it is by trying not to take it to heart much and try to ignore it.

It gives me an incentive to try harder in training.