On Sunday 16 August, Referees’ Association Chair Steve Oakey and Forest of Dean RA member Steve Cook attended the FA Community Shield between FA Cup winners Manchester City and Premier League champions Arsenal.
The match was held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the first time in 20 years, due to the scheduling impact of this summer’s World Cup. In an entertaining contest featuring some of the world’s best players, Arsenal secured a 3–0 victory.
Steve was invited in recognition of his outstanding contribution to refereeing and his remarkable 40 years as a member of Forest of Dean RA.
After qualifying as a referee in 1986, Steve progressed through the refereeing pathway and became an established Southern League referee at Level 3 (Step 3/4). His career at that level came to an end when, under the regulations in place at the time, he was required to retire at the age of 42.
Following the introduction of age-discrimination legislation, Steve applied for promotion once again and returned to Level 4 (Step 5/6), officiating on the Western League refereeing pool. After four years, he decided to step aside and create opportunities for the next generation of referees.
That was not the end of Steve’s involvement in refereeing. He continued officiating in local leagues across Gloucestershire until an injury forced him to stop in 2022. Now retired from active refereeing, Steve continues to give back by mentoring and coaching local match officials whenever possible. He also regularly attends Forest of Dean RA meetings, offering support and advice to new members.
During his visit to the Community Shield, Steve also had the opportunity to meet Howard Webb and FIFA’s Head of Women’s Refereeing, Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb.
The Referees’ Association exists to support referees throughout their journey and to recognise those who have made a lasting contribution to the refereeing community. Offering members the opportunity to attend high-profile football matches is one of the ways in which we can show our appreciation.
Steve thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and would recommend the experience to anyone.
If someone within your Local RA has made an exceptional contribution to the RA, supported fellow referees or would benefit from a special experience following a personal challenge, we would love to hear from you.
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