By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 12:56, Thursday, 29 July 2010

Former referee John Rogerson has been honoured for two decades of sterling service with the Cumberland FA.

John Rogerson

An ex-player who represented clubs including Greystoke in the Westmorland League, he was secretary of both Penrith-based Castletown and Penrith & District Sunday League for many years.

And he has used his refereeing experience to good effect, encouraging scores of youngsters to take up the whistle.

When he first took over as referees’ committee chairman, the average age of officials was 49, but that has now been reduced to 33.

“The biggest pleasure I get now is seeing how good the young referees are. It gives me immense pleasure to see how they are doing. We have moved forward drastically these last few years,” he said.

As well as being Cumberland FA vice-chairman, he is a member of the board of directors and serves on the youth committee.

And he is also a referees’ assessor, helps Cumberland FA representative teams and also casts an eye on the performance of officials in games involving the Centres of Excellence for both Carlisle United and Cumbria Girls.

After receiving Cumberland FA’s Bob Turner Award at the annual dinner in recognition of his outstanding service to grassroots football, he expressed surprise at the recognition.

“I was totally amazed,” said John. “You just get on with things and do it, and never think anything about it.”

First published at 11:25, Thursday, 29 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk