Referee Awards Dinner
Hosted by Chairman Lt Col Gary Connolly the official guests were Chairman of the Army FA, Major General "Mitch" Mitchell MBE and official Jon Moss, who refereed his 200th FA Premier League match at the weekend at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Cardiff City.
The main award of the evening was the presentation of the Dobson's Trophy for the referee who has made the most significant contribution to Army Football during the season. This was presented to Football League official Capt Steve Finch (RLC). It was acknowledged that nominations were also received for Capt Grant Cuthbertson (RAC), SSgt Gareth Dunn (REME) and SSgt Steve Tymms (AAC).
Former Army FA Referees Secretary Brian Le Breton was a welcome guest to present the Le Breton Trophy, the award for the Level 7 Referee who has shown the most potential and commitment during the season; this was awarded to SSgt Mark Beverley (RAPTC). CSgt Lewis Royle (Infantry) was also nominated.
Additional presentations were also given to Sgt Phil Trask (RLC) in recognition of 25 years service to the Army as a referee. Jon Moss made a presentation to Chief Instructor WO2 Andy Halliday (RAPTC) in honour of completing 338 FA Premier League matches as an Assistant Referee before his recent retirement. 112 of those matches were with Jon Moss in the middle. Capt John Brown (Infantry), Referee for the Army Challenge Cup Final the previous day, was also awarded his Army Cap. An Army FA Referees Tie was presented to the Chairman who in turn provided a memento to Jon Moss in appreciation of his support to Army Football.
It concluded a busy period with the annual RAFA Training day and Seminar being held in Aldershot earlier in the day. This included the annual "Mitchell Dennis Trophy" match to commence the day where all the referees in attendance had a kickabout at the Military Stadium pitch.
*Thank you to former Army FA Referees Danny McDermid for providing the photos from the Annual Awards Dinner and Andy Moisey (Hampshire FA) for tutoring at the RAFA Day.