Through his time at Loughborough, Josh has developed into the nation’s youngest Level 3 Football Official. This has been no easy feat, and it is a testament to the hard work and passion he dedicates to his own officiating and helping to develop those around him.
Name: Josh Williams
Course: Criminology
School & Dept: Criminology, Social Sciences and Social Policy
Current Year: Final Year (4th including placement)
Role(s) undertaken within sport at Loughborough:
Football Referee, Lead Football Officiating Hub Manager
My name’s Josh and I’m from Kent. I first started Loughborough in 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here up to this point. I enjoy keeping active, through the gym, running, and cycling (only when the weather’s nice though I am not a fan of wind and rain). I also love to travel and see new places. This year I’m trying to get one get away a month sorted, time and money allowing of course!
I signed up to officiate football as soon as I could in first year. I was already qualified and wanted to progress so I signed up at the sports bazaar at the start of the year.
I have refereed plenty of IMS games which are an experience within themselves. There have also been some awesome opportunities to officiate commercial fixtures too, such as the Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd academy teams. I was very fortunate to be chosen to officiate the BUCS Nations cup, two teams sporting England and Wales’ best BUCS players earlier this year (2024).
It has been thoroughly enjoyable and if I didn’t genuinely think this, I would have stopped a long time ago. This is an excellent way to get involved and be part of something great whilst at university.
Loughborough has provided a base for me to grow in both personal and professional capacities. I have had opportunities here that no other university could offer me. I have continued refereeing and am currently a Level 3 official, officiating on games such as the u18s Premier League, the National League North and South, and step 3 and 4 of the football pyramid. I have certainly grown in confidence and ability since being at university, and this is, in part, due to my experiences here.
Don’t be a stranger! Everyone is happy to help and keen to grow the CVA community. Got to events, send emails, ask questions. This is an opportunity to get involved in something new or to keep momentum if you are already active in officiating/volunteering. This will assist your growth in other aspect of life, and if nothing else, it looks great on your CV.
At the end of the day, I believe that people will remember you based upon impact rather than what you earn. I know that being involved within the CVA whilst at university. I know that I will be able to leave here feeling accomplished in the sense that I have met lots of people and influenced the way officiating is managed at Loughborough.
Feeling inspired by Josh's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like this.