Cumberland FA is pleased to announce that Carlisle-based referee, John Mulligan, has been promoted by The FA this week.

John has been promoted to Level 2a (Step 1 referee), and so will operate as a referee in the Vanarama National League from 2023/24. In addition, John will also referee Under-21 teams at elite level in Premier League 2, as well as acting as a fourth official for both EFL League One and League Two.

Speaking on John’s promotion, Cumberland FA Referee Development Officer, Scott Taylor, said: “We are so pleased for John, as he has gained a fully deserved FA promotion to Level 2a. Having missed out as part of the mid-season promotion, John worked even harder on his game over the past few months, which highlights his commitment to refereeing.

“John is one of our county Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) group coaches and we often talk about resilience to younger referees and those wishing to progress from grassroots level. John is the perfect example of that attribute.

“Personally, I am really looking forward to working with him again on appointments, as we have done many Step 1 and Step 2 games together when he was an assistant referee a few seasons ago.”

Everyone at Cumberland FA congratulates John on his achievement and wishes him well for the season ahead.

For more information on how you can get involved in refereeing, and possibly follow in John’s shoes, please click here.