Midsomer Norton Referee Hobbs recognised in County Awards

Referee of the Season winner, Andrew Hobbs.

The Somerset Football Association held its annual County Awards Evening on Thursday, 19th July at Somerset County Cricket ground, Taunton.

With around 120 people in attendance, the evening was formally opened by Somerset FA Chairman, Pete Hockley.

Awards were presented within nineteen different categories on the evening, sponsored by McDonalds through the FA’s Grassroots Football Awards, and selected awards were also sponsored by Ivan & Rendall and Co Accountants.

Andrew Hobbs, from Midsomer Norton, took home the Referee of the Season award, in recognition for what’s been a breakthrough season, seeing him make the step up to Level Three category matches and culminating in officiating the Somerset County Senior Cup Final.

Andrew has been refereeing for seven years, after enjoying a playing career that saw him represent local sides, including Westfield and Peasedown.

Andrew said: “It was my friend, the late Mark Box, who I have to thank for introducing me to refereeing. I knew I couldn’t keep on playing, but I wanted to stay involved in the game. Mark got me involved and even gave me his kit to get me started.”

“I’m really proud of this award, it’s always nice to be recognised for your efforts and I’ve worked hard to progress through the system. It’s so important that anybody interested in taking up refereeing knows that they will be supported. The Somerset FA have been great for me, I really can’t thank them enough.”

Andrew has been refereeing at the Western League First Division Level for the past three years, but with his promotion, he’ll be able to take charge of matches in Southern League Premier Division, for the first time this season.

Andrew continued: “I’d like to see more ex-players take an interest in refereeing, as the game can only benefit from their experience. There are plenty of referees, including top referees in the professional game, who’ve never played, and I’m not knocking them, but I find that my experience has helped me communicate with the players.

“For me, refereeing is not just about the person in the middle, it’s about getting everybody participating in the game.”

Chief Executive, Jon Pike, congratulated all of the winners on their thoroughly deserved awards.

Jon said: “Tonight we have once again seen the very best of volunteers in football in Somerset recognised and rewarded. They have all done an outstanding job in their particular field, and I am pleased that we can acknowledge them and congratulate them on their achievement.

“While tonight we have recognised the very best of our volunteers, they represent all of our volunteer workforce throughout the grassroots game in our county; we are fortunate that we have so many volunteers who give of their time and effort freely so that grassroots football can both take place and grow.

“I believe we have a very strong grassroots game in Somerset, and that is almost all due to our volunteers. Along with our winners here tonight, I would like to thank them all.”