New Match Day Observers are ready to support Positive Football Environments in Cumberland
Following an open recruitment process and training, Cumberland FA are delighted to announce that Matchday Observers 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) for the County FA to determine more of a reflective position of the football environment within Cumberland.
The 5 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.
So, who are the Matchday Observers?
David Bell (Carlisle)
Brief Football History:
I have been a referee for more than 40 seasons, Saturday and Sunday league Secretary, a club secretary, a former CFA committee member.
Favourite Player of All Time:
Jimmy Greaves
Favourite Football Memory:
Carlisle United’s promotion to Division one.
Why did you become a Matchday Observer?
To continue to support local football and help where I can.
Martin Taylor (Carlisle)
Brief Football History:
I started in youth football as most, helping when my eldest son started at U7, which was 12 years ago now and I've been hooked ever since. During that time, I've been involved in mixed, girls and disability teams and a few committees too during that time and each role has been rewarding. We'll not talk about my football past as a player, let's just say, I try.
Favourite Player of All Time:
I've been lucky to watch some amazing players over the years. My dad took me to my first Man Utd game in 1989 and we were in the back of the Stretford End, well before the Class of 92 and any sniff at a trophy. But probably the most enjoyment I've had watching football was seeing Eric Cantona, he was something else. The only player's name that I had on my back was Cantona and I was at the Sunderland game back in 96 when he scored that lob over Perez.
Favourite Football Memory:
That must be a Carlisle one, so many mediocre games that we've all endured but the away game at Rochdale in 2005/06 when we all but secured the title and the players were in the stands having a disco! I've not seen anything like that, but it was great to be part of it after what we all thought was our club going out of existence when we were relegated a few years earlier.
Why did you become a Matchday Observer?
I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly side of football in the county and I've always thought, why isn’t the FA here to see it? The good bits and the bad bits. I feel that this role gives them more opportunities to hear what's going on in football and highlight anything that is being done and can be passed back up the tree to provide help or praise where it's needed. I'm also looking forward to getting back out onto the grass and watching more football, though my partner thinks I watch more than enough! I don't coach any more, I just don't have the time to commit each week, but this helps me stay involved and, hopefully, contribute to a positive environment for all.
Andrew Richardson (Penrith)
Brief Football History:
I started playing football for Pategill (now part of Penrith FC) as a youngster. I went on to play for various senior clubs including sporting museum in the Cumbria league.
Favourite Player of All Time:
Dennis Bergkamp
Favourite Football Memory:
Meeting John Stones and Ross Barkley in Penrith, two absolute top blokes.
Why did you become a Matchday Observer?
To keep on pushing and promoting the good work that loads of voluntary coaches are putting in out there.
Wayne Peart (Penrith)
Brief Football History:
I am a Manchester United fan.
As a player I played at Alston junior football club u12s, Haltwhistle juniors u16s, Haltwhistle men’s and in the Penrith 5 aside leagues.
As a coach I have worked at Castletown u6s- u14s and more recently at Penrith AFC 14s-18s.
Favourite Player of All Time:
Steve Bruce and Roy Keane.
Favourite Football Memory:
Champions League Final 99 treble season for Manchester United.
Why did you become a Matchday Observer?
I believe in helping all enjoy the sport we all love. Football connects people and I've met some great people throughout the years that I'm still friends with today from starting as a junior to now as a coach and a match observer.
Graham Young (West Cumbria)
Brief Football History:
I played football at school for Overend and WCGS and played Rugby Union for Whitehaven. I then began to referee rugby. My son played for Ashfield juniors, so I became club chairman and under the guidance of Brian Wilson and a hard-working committee, I met the chairman of Workington Reds and formed what is now Reds juniors. I took over the Secretary's job of the West Cumbria youth league. Watching games, I was saddened to sometime see club officials, refereeing their own games, interpret the laws in favour of their own teams. So when I was approached by John Messenger, the appointments secretary, to become a referee and join the CFA ranks, I did the course in Bob Johnstons (former CFA Secretary) parlour. I Sat the Exam in his kitchen... Passed …and the rest as they say is .....mmmm.
Favourite Player of All Time:
Even though I am a West Ham fan, purely as a footballer, it has to be GEORGE BEST. 👑
Favourite Football Memory:
The 1966 World Cup Final. As a nearly eleven-year-old, watching the 1966 World Cup Final on our new telly (bought especially for it) and seeing West Ham 4 West Germany 2.
Why did you become a Matchday Observer?
Again, back to 66 watching Argentina try to bully kick and cheat their way to victory, made me despise that attitude and poor behaviour. There is no place in any sport for it, and my attitude hasn't changed since then.