Evesham RA member Paul Sparrow joined RA Chair Steve Oakey at Wembley on Saturday 26th September for England’s match against Spain - an evening of exciting football, recognition and poignant tributes.
An active Level 4 referee, Paul has been closely involved with Evesham and Worcester Local Referees’ Associations for several years and has recently applied to join the RA Board.
Before kick-off, tributes were paid to football legend Kevin Keegan, with his family accepting an award on his behalf.
Paul also had the opportunity to meet recently retired FIFA and Premier League referee Anthony Taylor, who is taking up a role in Turkey. Anthony attended the match to receive signed England and Spain shirts from representatives of The FA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation in recognition of his refereeing career.
During the match, Paul and Steve sat alongside the family of eight-year-old Stoke City supporter Ollie Royles, who sadly died from cancer earlier this year. Ollie’s courage touched people across the country, and both were grateful to spend time with his mother, father and brother.
The family attended as guests of FA Chair Debbie Hewitt, who honoured a promise she had made to Ollie when they met earlier in the year to invite them to an England match at Wembley.
Steve also met Paul Kirby, a profoundly deaf referee who was recognised for his service to football during a half-time ceremony. Paul is working to increase the number of deaf referees involved in deaf football and is already engaging with The FA, UEFA and national deaf school organisations to explore opportunities.
Steve offered the RA’s support for the initiative, and we look forward to discussing how the Association can help Paul create more opportunities for deaf referees.
If you know someone in your Referees' Association who is deserving of a Wembley experience, get in touch to complete a nomination form.
If you know someone in your Referees' Association who is deserving of a Wembley experience, get in touch to complete a nomination form.
Our Partnerships
Partnerships are often formed between individuals, agencies or organisations with a shared interest to address specific issues. Our evidence reveals that our members young and old often require mental, emotional, financial, medical help, support and guidance. The Referees’ Association champion the work of those agencies that provide this support in times of need. Should you require support please contact the relevant agency below or the RA Head Office.
Learn more
Join the Referees Association
The National RA recommends that prospective members should join through their local LRA, the easiest way being to attend one of the many local association meetings that take place across the country on a regular (usually monthly) basis. Find your nearest branch now.
Alternatively, online membership is now available for any referee who wishes to take up central membership. The National RA will then allocate you a local branch. Join now.