I will try to set the scene for those who were not there; the hall has a splendid high ceiling, with a medieval feeling to it.

The eight giant chandeliers hung ornately from the ceiling enhancing the feeling of splendour.

 

Upon arrival at the Civic Centre at around 8.15am the room was breath taking, the stage and back drop were the dream I had dreamed over the six months of planning, the media people had even come up with a projected symbol of the FA logo which appeared above the stage setting almost like the star above the nativity scene at Christmas.

The entrance was dressed in FAMOA colours and logos, everyone who attended received a FAMOA Conference pack which contained a notepad, pen, CD-Rom full of information regarding the FAMOA programme and other recruitment details, notice of the new FAMOA incentive scheme, a vitally important feedback form and various publications from the Referees Association.

Following registration a visit to the Referees Association stand before a cup of tea or coffee, then it was down to business.

The day flew by for myself, I opened Conference with a lump in my throat, six months of planning and the entrance music was 'what have you done today to make you feel proud', so I told everyone how proud I was to be fortunate enough to launch FAMOA, and all too soon the programme was completed and I had to close Conference at around 3.30pm.

The feedback received so far has been extremely positive using words like, 'military precision', 'oozing with professionalism', 'the whole programme was slick and professional', but don't take my word for it come and see for yourself at your Conference.

Alan Wilkie
Regional Manager - North