Erewash Valley Referees Society were pleased to welcome Select Group 2 assistant referee Akil Howson to their monthly society meeting in October.
Akil delivered what was described as a powerful presentation on 'taking yourself out your comfort zone as a match official'. He advised members of the society to not be afraid of being brave and acting upon your instincts.
Society Chairman Pete Carter said: “It was great to welcome Akil and to hear his story. I’ve no doubt he really inspired the next generation of referees we had at our meeting, and show them what they can achieve in their footballing career. To hear him talk about his journey so far, from being a local referee to a Championship Assistant and whatever lies beyond was a treat for all of the fantastic turn out we had for him at Ilkeston Town F.C
He got us involved by asking about which TV programme we preferred, Strictly Come Dancing, or The Voice etc. Those members who answered then discovered what it was like to taken out of their own comfort zones by having to give a short song or dance of their choice! It certainly broke the ice!!”
Erewash Valley RS’s next meeting is on the 11th November, again at Ilkeston Town Football Club, where Society President Andy Page will give a presentation on his recent appointment at the Paralympics.
In August, Andy represented England as one of two referees selected to officiate the Blind Football in Tokyo.
Members and non members are welcome to the meeting, which will be held from 7pm.
Please message the ‘Erewash Valley Referee Society‘ Facebook page for further
information.
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