sports

16-Year-Old Referee Wins Somerset Youth Award

RJ, 16, from Taunton, Somerset, has been refereeing adult football matches since age 14 and was named Somerset Youth Referee of the Year for his outstanding contribution.

RJ began refereeing at 14 and now regularly officiates both youth and adult matches across Somerset. His dedication earned him the Somerset Youth Referee of the Year award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the game.

Teachers and the Somerset FA praise his confidence and responsibility, noting that it is unusual for a 16‑year‑old to referee adult games. His example is part of a wider effort to encourage young people into refereeing.