Senior rate flies flag for Royal Navy in EFL Championship

The Royal Navy have a presence in the English Football League Championship after a long absence as Petty Officer Scott Jackson officiated at Swansea City on the opening day of the 2019/20 Football Season.

The 32-year-old was amongst the Professional Game Match Officials appointed to take charge of the first set of appointments; after his promotion to the Panel Select Referee list this summer.

Scott has been on one rollercoaster journey after completing the FA Basic Referee Course whilst on Leading Physical Trainer’s Course back in 2008.

Scott has had to endure the highs and lows of refereeing through the non-league pyramid in order to achieve is status as a Level 2A Referee. Starting out in the Plymouth Saturday League, through the South West Peninsula League, Western League, Southern League and National League North and South. This now positions him to kick on in the first rung of professional football.

Scott who now lives in Bridgwater, Somerset and works as a Social Worker for Naval Service Family and People Support (NS FPS) and volunteers his time as the Referee Development Officer for the RN is eagerly looking forward to this season. He embarks on the Royal Navy Elite Sportsman programme to accommodate both his primary role in the Naval Service whilst pursuing a career in professional football.

If you are interested in becoming a Football referee and want to follow on the same path as Scott, why not contact him on [email protected]