Take 10 Freddie Williams
Joint Social Media Committee Member, Level 6
Referee
1) When did you start your refereeing journey? started officiating in October 2022.
Current level? Level 6 3) Favourite team? Arsenal FC
4) What is your biggest achievement? Bill Longmore service award / FA Cup appointment at Whitchurch vs Irlam (August 2024).
5) What has been your toughest experience? Officiating Market Drayton vs Stafford Town in December 2024. This was a tough game for me as an Assistant Referee as I had to rule out a goal which was vital for the losing team in the end and it felt very hostile in front of a big crowd who weren’t particularly happy with my decision to flag the attacker offside. It was quite unsettling post match for all three of us that were on that fixture.
6) What has been your biggest Lesson? Don’t overrule your Assistant Referee when making decisions as it can cause confusion to players and make them and your assistants question the trust they have in your decisions. This happened in a Shropshire county league fixture when the ball went for a clear corner and I overturned my assistant’s decision by giving a goal kick, this was noticed on the pitch by all the players and even the keeper who told me he had saved the ball at half time.
7) Goals for 2025? I would like to achieve promotion to Level 5 by the end of the 2024/25 season.
8) How has the TRA helped you? The TRA has Helped me learn many different things in the last two years including how to deal with various scenarios I could come across when officiating such as mass confrontations and managing technical areas when these situations occur. I have also learnt how to structure pre match briefings to my assistants so that they are clear on what I want from them.
9) Who is your refereeing idol? Joey Malone - A great guy and a good referee who hopefully gets his level 4 this season.
10) Something people might not know about you? I am an uncle to two boys
