On Wednesday 5th June, a quartet of Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA match officials received national recognition at the FA Referee Recognition Awards 2024.

The awards, which took place at Wembley Stadium, celebrated outstanding contributions to refereeing across ten categories.

Rotherham referee Steve Bradford was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Refereeing Award. Steve's passion for grassroots football and refereeing was highlighted, with several young players and officials also produced under his watch. In 25 years he has never taken a fee and only recently set up a fund to support and pay for referees who can't afford the course.

Pictured: Steve Bradford presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Refereeing Award

Thomas Green was recognised for his exceptional performance and dedication in officiating games, picking up the Club Recognition Award. He was widely praised for his fairness and knowledge of the laws, but also his ability to encourage everyone around him.

Pictured: Thomas Green collecting the Club Recognition Award

In the same category, Danny Car received a Highly Commended award for consistently displaying a high level of skill, fairness and professionalism. 

Also picking up a Highly Commended award was Thomas Halloway, who was recognised in the Championing Diversity Award for being an advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion in refereeing.

Pictured: Tom Halloway was commended in the Championing Diversity award

Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA Referee Development Officer Danny Guest was at the glittering award ceremony at Wembley to see all four referees pick up their awards.
Danny said: “I’m incredibly proud to see so many of our match officials receive national recognition for their hard work and dedication.

“The Sheffield and Hallamshire region has an amazing track record in producing talented match officials, so to see representation across multiple categories was a great achievement for our County.

“All four are fully deserving of their awards and I’d like to congratulate them and say thank you for their dedication and service to football.” 

Inspired to follow in their footsteps? Check out our upcoming referee courses here.