sports

16-Year-Old Referee Wins Somerset Youth Award

RJ, 16, from Taunton, Somerset, has been awarded Somerset Youth Referee of the Year after officiating both youth and adult football matches, a rare feat for a teenager.

RJ began refereeing at 14 and now regularly officiates adult games across Somerset, earning praise for his calm decision‑making and responsibility on the pitch.

Somerset FA referee development officer Martin Peters noted the rarity of a 16‑year‑old in adult matches and highlighted the association’s push to recruit more young referees.