Award for Rising Young Ref Elliott

June 9th, 2008

An award-winning referee from Grimsby is climbing the ladder towards the bright lights of the Premier League.

Eighteen-year-old Elliott Heward has been named the Central Midlands League's Young Referee of the Year. Heward, who lives in Boundary Road, has been refereeing since the age of 14 and also takes charge of Grimsby and District Sunday League matches.

Both are adult leagues but Heward says his relatively-young age is not a problem.

"If anything, being young has helped me," said Heward, an A-Level student at Tollbar BEC.

"The players seem to respect me and that really helps.

"What's the secret of being a good referee? I think it's to show respect to the players and they'll give it back to you."

Referees are graded on 10 levels and Heward has already reached level six during his short time in the role.

To move up a level, referees have to sit an exam, are watched by assessors at random stages throughout the season and marked by the clubs in their respective leagues.

Heward has his sights on level five for next season.

"Level one is the top one - the level Premier League referees are at," he said.

"I'd love to go as high as I can.

"I'm going for another promotion next season. I'll just keep working hard and enjoying it and see where I go."

Heward took up refereeing after standing in as a linesman during a match in which his younger brother, Lawrence was playing.

"I was just watching my brother and ended up running the line," he said.

"Then someone from the Grimsby Referees' Association came over and said I should give refereeing a try.

"Qualifying these days is quite a lot different to when I did it.

"It used to be a case of sticking your head in a book for eight weeks and that was it.

"But now, it's over two weekends and you have to referee 10 matches to get that match experience."

Heward said he was indebted to the Grimsby Referees' Association.

"They're so supportive, I can't thank them enough," he said.

"If you ever have any trouble or need anything, they're always on the end of the phone.

"Chris Good, the secretary, and Lee Walsh, the chairman, are great and they've helped me a lot.

"They've been really good to me."

Article from the Grimsby Telegraph dated 30 May 2008

Home | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Text Only