Walker family to take charge of local FA Disability Cup Fixture
This weekend will see the first round of the FA Disability Cup between Leeds United and Boro Rangers take place at Garforth Town AFC which in its self is great progress for the disability game in the West Riding, but when you look at the match and especially the officials, you see another great example of people's passion for football and how this can unite people.
Sunday's game will be the first time a father, son and daughter team have taken control of an FA Cup competition.
The Walker family (Peter, Jordan and Jessica) have refereed as a team previously at District Schools Finals, the U19s Alliance League and for a touring team from America, but it is their support of disability football, officiating at friendly games between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday that has resulted in them being awarded the FA Disability Cup fixture.
Following a 20 year career as a player Pete retired in 2005 and was keen to remain involved in the game in some capacity and found that refereeing his son's team allowed him to do this. Since qualifying through the Basic Referees Course, Peter has enjoyed much success officiating in the game and has officiated at various levels of the game including the West Yorkshire League, Northern Counties East and West League as well as the Northern Premier League.
Further to this Peter has also officiated in the Women's Super League, the pinnacle of the women's domestic game. In addition to his league involvements, highlights have included County Challenge Cup Referee, Assistant referee and taking control of the West Yorkshire Trophy final in 2013. But what stands out alongside Peters individual achievement is his support of his children Jordan and Jessica, both of whom are also referees.
Jordan who qualified as a referee in 2009 aged 14, has since progressed his career and has been involved in officiating in the Charles Rice Junior Football League, the West Yorkshire League and also working with Leeds United to officiate on their academy programme at Thorp Arch. In addition to his refereeing Jordan is an FA Level 1 qualified coach and works with a team at New College Pontefract. What is more, Jordan is a keen footballer and has been involved with both Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday's academies, signing terms with the latter between the ages of 9-11.
The youngest member of the team is Jessica. Like her brother Jessica qualified as a referee aged 14 and enjoyed great success over the past four years. Still aged 18 Jessica has already officiated in the Garforth Junior League and League Cup Final (2010/11), winning female referee of the year in 2011/12. Further to this Jessica has officiated at both Leeds United and Bradford City’s academies. So far this season Jessica has being appointed to a Women's FA Cup game and has recently been selected to referee the West Riding County FA Girls U14 Junior Trophy. Like her brother Jessica also attends New College Pontefract where she currently plays for the ladies team.
Having had a family member who is profoundly disabled has led the family to have a great understanding of disability football and the players it engages.
