Experienced Referee Coaches Young Talents
Tim Lawrence became a referee in 1972. Ten years ago, he joined the Dana Cup and has since worked as a coach for a number of British referees.
And Tim Lawrence is no ordinary referee. He has enjoyed a long and successful refereeing career at a high level.
"I started in what we call the National League and finished my active refereeing career officiating matches in the reserve league of Premier League clubs. In addition, I have worked as an official at Premier League matches," says Tim Lawrence.
This year, 18 British referees are taking part in the Dana Cup, but not all of them come under Tim Lawrence’s watch.
"Together with a couple of colleagues, I select a few younger referees who we believe have the potential to progress through the levels. I monitor their matches, and afterwards we review the games together with the aim of helping them improve," he explains.
For many years, he has carried out similar coaching work back home in England, and he has had the pleasure of seeing one of his referees go on to officiate an international youth match.
"At the Dana Cup, the referees naturally do not pay anything for my coaching. Back home in England, coaching is part of their development programme," says Tim Lawrence, who has worked professionally within football for many years.
