On Friday 25 April, Ipswich Town held their third Academy Showcase at Portman Road with an U16s fixture against one of the biggest names in world football, Manchester United.
For four of Suffolk FA’s Academy Referees, this event represented a night to remember, walking out on the Portman Road turf to officiate a game between two of the top Academy teams in the country.
Ollie Davies, Match Referee, is only in his first full season of refereeing whilst his Assistants James Ager and Ashley Woof are in their second and third seasons respectively. Fourth Official, Jonathon Block is also in his third season.
Over 2,300 spectators packed the Britannia Stand to watch an entertaining game finish 3-3, with Manchester United taking the trophy by winning 5-3 after a penalty shootout.
The four officials controlled a fast paced and at times, lively game with authority and maturity beyond their years. They all came out of the game with a great deal of credit and praise from both teams for the way they handled the evening.
“The Academy showcase game was a very special appointment for all four of us involved," said Davies after the game.
"I never expected to be refereeing in front of over 2,000 people at Portman Road in my first season so I think this shows what opportunities there are in refereeing, especially in Suffolk”.
All four officials have been part of a larger group of over 20 young referees who have regularly officiated games from U9 to U14s level at Ipswich Town’s Academy on Sunday mornings.
Some of the officials have also had the opportunity to work on U15, U16 and U18s games. Next season, Suffolk FA will also be introducing both classroom and practical training sessions for officials.
For Ollie, the Academy has been very beneficial this season and he added: “At the Academy there is always a Referees’ Coach to watch our games.
"During the breaks and at the end of games, they give us feedback on our performance which is something that I would rarely get outside of the Academy and is vital for anyone who wants to improve.
"We are also sent a report of things that we did well and areas for improvement. The ‘no pressure’ environment has helped me to gain valuable experience and confidence before going out to referee on the local adult league.”
With the help, support and opportunities that exist there is no better time to become a Referee. It could be you walking out at Portman Road at the end of next season.
If you have any questions related to refereeing, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing