Back in August, London FA announced our winners for the 2021 Grassroots Football Awards.

This month, we are speaking to Chris Murray, winner of the London FA Grassroots Match Official of the Year Award 2021.

Chris is a referee for the Southern Sunday league, where he also supports the leagues PR and Marketing, creating a number of incentives for the league to increase engagement through social media and supporting interaction with players, coaches, volunteers, match officials and stakeholders. He is now working towards being promoted to the next level of refereeing.

How did you feel when you won this award?

I was very happy to receive this award, I work hard within the refereeing community, so it was great when I was told of this award. It is the little things in life that make it all so worth it being a part of the football community.

What are you excited for in the 2021-2022 season?

To hopefully have a season without too much stopping due to the COVID 19 pandemic and getting out there to referee some good matches across London and England.

What are the biggest challenges that you will face within the 2021-2022 season?

To pass the fitness and to get to the next level in refereeing.

What is your biggest motivation for your role within grassroots football?

To inspire, promote and engage with as many people as possible across the course of the football season.