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Referee Brian is unfazed - by Jonathan Evans, Pontypridd
Observer
FOR most people it sounds like the Saturday afternoon from hell – running up and
down a field, knowing that whatever you do or say you’re sure to get a barrage
of abuse from everyone around you. But for Brian James nothing could be better.
The 38-year-old, from Rhydyfelin, has just qualified as a FIFA assistant
referee, and even the highly paid superstars of international football don’t
faze him.
Brian, a self-employed window installer from Duffryn Gardens, already boasts an
impressive CV including an England Under-21s international and the Intertoto
Cup. And he now has his sights set on enhancing his international reputation
after gaining the FIFA qualification in December.
Brian said: “I was running a Sunday-morning team and we were having problems
getting referees, so I thought rather than not have a game, I would take charge.
“I then thought if I’m going to do it, I may as well learn the laws properly.
After that I just kept going and eventually started setting myself targets to
get to the next level. “Then about 10 years ago I sat a referee exam and after
passing that I had two or three seasons in the Taff Ely and Pontypridd leagues.
“During that time there were assessors from the South Wales Football Association
who came to watch and they’d try to help you and give advice. “That led to me
taking further exams and fitness tests before doing a few years in the Welsh
leagues. “I then eventually got the FIFA qualification in December. I never
dreamed I’d get to this level and it’s a huge honour to represent my country.
”Brian, an avid Manchester City fan, trains twice a week and sometimes joins up
with Rhydyfelin FC to keep himself in shape. And despite now having to face some
of football’s biggest names, he has no intention of waving the white flag just
yet. He added: “With each step up you do meet better and more experienced
players who know every trick in the book. “But that means we have to train
harder and focus harder to keep up with them. Every level you move up is more
difficult but we have the officials and the training to deal with that.”
Brian is also confident the future can be bright for referees right across
Wales, despite a dip in the number of people taking an interest in recent years.
He said: “We can’t seem to keep people in refereeing in Wales, which is a shame.
“But what I would say to any youngsters is that if they want to be a referee the
future can be superb. They have the opportunity to travel around the world and
do a wonderful job.”
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