Interview with 2 new referees produced by Appleton AFC
Appleton have recently produced 2 fine new referee's for the Cheshire FA & maybe future Premiership and FIFA referees.
We caught up with Jake Elsworth & Tom Mallinder recently, to find out what inspired them to become referee's.
How long have you played for Appleton, what position do you play and who is your favourite player!
JE –I think I have played for Appleton for about 7 years. I have been playing football since I was 4 with teams near to my school in Wincham before deciding to move to Appleton Under 9 D team. I have played in several position but mainly left wing or left back as I am left footed. My favourite players are Samir Nasri and David Silva, both Manchester City players.
TM – About 7 years, I play in central midfield, my favourite player is Stevie Gerrard.
What interests you in becoming a ref?
JE – I enjoy learning new facts about the game and being a ref gives you a different perspective of it.
TM – I love football and look forward to getting paid to referee it.
What hurdles did you have to become a ref?
JE - I was lucky enough to do a week’s work experience at the Cheshire FA in Northwich where I met some great people including Trevor Massey, an ex premier league lines man. He told me about the refs course that he ran and I felt this was something I would like to do so I found out when the next course was being run and Tom and I decided to have a go. We thoroughly enjoyed the course which was a mix of written work and practical experience spread over 3 days. We were given lots of encouragement and was told that we needed to be determined to try and get our 6 friendly games under our belt before we could be a fully-fledged ref.
TM – I had to give up nearly 2 weekends in taking the course.
When will we see you referring in the league! (they can talk about needing some friendly matches)
JE – As soon as possible! Tom and I managed to get our first opportunity to ref a friendly game of Under 12-14 girls, it was a great first match.
TM – Jan 14 was my first official league match, I am not allowed to ref Appleton matches with playing for the team.
How did you get on with your first assignment refereeing an Appleton Girls friendly, did you pick this match yourselves!
JE -We are very lucky as Appleton Football Club is a large club. Tom, Matt our coach and I have been making it know to as many people as possible with in the club and at school, Bridgewater High School, that we were looking to ref as many friendly games as possible in the next few weeks.
TM - It was quite tricky as I had injuries, a back pass to the keeper that the goalie picked up, and a shot that hit the bar and dropped onto the line to address!
Would you wear the ref kit on a dress down day at school?
JE Sorry no way,
TM – NO!
If you used your cards at home what behaviour would you send you mum off for?
JE - Yellow card every time she asked me to do the dishes!
TM -A red card every time she gives me salad for tea!