HOME PAGE

» Map

Home

The Southampton RA is the oldest established society in and around the Southampton area and is a member of the National RA and also affiliated to The Hampshire Football Association.

We were formed in 1919 (currently celebrating our 90th season) and have since met monthly throughout the season, although there was an enforced gap during the war years. We are a friendly group and we always welcome newcomers to join us. If you live in the Southampton area come along to our meetings on the last Thursday of each month. At this present time these meetings are held at St Mary's Football Stadium, home of Southampton FC.

We now officially now have 5,000 hits per month. Check back often for new updates.

Urgent News

Just a quick note to update you on the St Mary's Stadium. Southampton
F.C have now installed barriers at the gates to reduce the number of
people using the car park when not going to the club on business. At
the barrier we understand that it will almost certainly be necessary
to take a ticket.

This ticket will then be validated within the Supporters Club to
enable you to egress without cost. We are looking forward to seeing you at 7.30pm start.
Any problems phone Ken Webb's mobile number: 07939081630

September Guest Speaker News

Wayne Shure

Many referees who have been members have enjoyed great success not only at local level but also on the National Leagues and one member has gone on to referee the World Cup Final.

Southampton Referees Society Ex-President George Reader
was given the honour to Referee the World Cup Final, Brazil (1) verse Uruguay (2) on the 16th July 1950. This was in-front of a capacity crowd of 174,000. George was and still is the oldest referee to have officiated a world cup final at the age of 53. On that memorable day his assistants were Arthur Ellis (England) and George Mitchell (Scotland). George Reader Retired as a headmaster of Western School in 1960. George became a director and then chairman of Southampton F.C. in 1963. He sat alongside her majesty The Queen, when Southampton (1) won the 1976 Cup Final against Manchester United (0) at Wembley.
Highlights of his career are as follows:

1936-1939 Football League Assistant Referee
1939-1944 Football League Referee
1948-1950 Football League Referee
1944-1950 FIFA Listed Referee

At every meeting we invite guest speakers, famous names like Rob Styles, Sir Trevor Brooking, Francis Benali, Gordon Strachan, John Motson and just recently George Burley. These are just a few of the well known people who have spoken at Southampton RA in recent times.

We always strive to provide the opportunity for referees of all ages and abilities to meet, socialise and learn in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere. We are totally committed to concentrating on refereeing issues to help develop all members. Membership is open to all people interested in football as well as referees.

You can gain advice and guidance on interpretation of the laws from our training officers, assessors and senior referees. Law amendments are always fully explained to you by our FA licensed instructor.

For the younger referee, we have a youth section known as Kens Corner which will help you during your early days as a football official. We can also help in your appointment to Southampton FC Academy games plus organise a mentor for you.

By becoming a full member of this society you are automatically insured by the National RA for any injury or loss of kit, you may sustain whilst officiating. RA kit and accessories can be purchased at very competitive prices from our own supplies officer, James Wright.

If you live in and around the Southampton area and you are a football referee or would like to become a referee then come along and join the Society that represents you in your area.

We have weekly fitness training sessions run in conjunction with Hampshire Football Association. Everyone is welcome to attend, but it is not compulsory. These sessions are guided by Southampton RA's County Fitness Co-ordinator, Mike Misselbrook, at Totton & Eling Sports Club. We also have fitness training football reports on the fitness page.

Season 2010/2011 Meeting Dates
* Thursday 26th August 2010
* Thursday 23rd September 2010
* Thursday 28th October 2010
* Thursday 18th November 2010
* Thursday 9th December 2010
* Thursday 27th January 2011
* Thursday 24th February 2011
* Thursday 24th March 2011
* Thursday 21st April 2011