Name: Ben Norsworthy
Course: Automotive Engineering
School & Dept: AACME
Current Year: 2nd
Ben Norsworthy
Football Officiating Hub Manager
Ben has earned huge amounts of respect in both IMS and AU fields, with his consistency, expertise and fantastic performances in high pressure matches earning him huge plaudits and respect within the officiating community. His motivation to not only develop others, but also his own game, highlights him event more as a role model to all referees.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (hobbies, interests and background):
I’m from Barbados and lived there until I was 9 years old, and I go back every summer to visit my dad, see friends and work as a divemaster. I’ve always been a sporty person with a special interest in football being an Arsenal fan. I started refereeing when I was 14 with Bedfordshire FA to earn some money then started taking it seriously when I turned 18 with the desire to officiate high level matches. I have a great interest in motorsport and cars which is the reason for my degree choice.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
I saw a post on the IMS Instagram page about officiating and went to the introduction evening and already being a match official, I immediately volunteered my time to start officiating IMS matches.
During your years at Loughborough what have you got involved in through volunteering within sport?
IMS cup finals, BUCS Big Wednesday national finals, general BUCS fixtures, IMS varsity Fixtures, winning Official of the Year at CVA awards, taking on the role of Officiating hub manager and helping to create the officiating academy and running football officiating at Loughborough, BUCS awards at Warwick University, officiating commercial fixtures such as premier league academies.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
Its been amazing, I have met so many cool people and made a loads of friends and it has really helped me to develop as a person and match official. The memories I have made will be for life.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
Its helped me to develop personal skills such as leadership, presenting, confidence and many more. And professionally the networking has been incredible I’ve made so many contacts at Loughborough sport and the FA, and the development I’ve received for my officiating is unlike anything else at any university in the country.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
Definitely get involved its been without doubt the best thing I’ve got involved with at uni and some of my best memories have come from it. Not only that it also have given me so many extra things to put on a CV for placements or graduate jobs that really stand out.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
The cool events you get to be involved with and all the cool people you meet and friends you make.
Feeling inspired?
Feeling inspired by Ben's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like this.