Following an open recruitment process and training, Cumberland FA have announced the appointment of five matchday observers.
They have been recruited to support the county FA, and local youth leagues, by visiting matches to provide feedback around standards of behaviour both on and off the field.
Their reports will help the county FA to have more of a reflective position of the football environment within Cumberland.
The five matchday observers have been selected to work within designated areas and will work closely with Positive Football Environment lead, Ben Snowdon, who will also be attending matches in his position as CEO.
David Bell of Carlisle has been a referee for more than 40 seasons, a Saturday and Sunday league secretary, a club secretary and a former CFA committee member.
Martin Taylor, also of Carlisle, started helping in youth football when his eldest son started playing 12 years ago at Under-7s.
He has taken the observer’s role because he’s seen the good, the bad and the ugly side of football in the county and believes these new positions can help.
Andrew Richardson, of Penrith started playing for Pategill as a youngster.
He became a matchday observer to help push and promote the good work that loads of voluntary coaches are putting in.
Wayne Peart, also of Penrith, played at Alston and Haltwhistle before coaching at Castletown and Penrith.
Graham Young, of Workington played and refereed rugby union before he got involved with Ashfield Juniors, later Workington Reds Juniors, when his son started playing.
He was saddened to sometimes see club officials, refereeing their own games, interpret the laws in favour of their own teams.
So when he was approached to become a referee and join the CFA ranks he passed the exam and has been doing it ever since.
