UK's oldest referee officiates 3 games a week - and has no plans to stop at 89

06 February 2023 , 20:05

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Frank refs men’s, women’s and kids’ games for the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA in South Yorkshire (Image: SWNS)

Even at the age of 89, Frank Foster says there is no way he is going to blow full-time just yet on his hobby as a football ref.

The man in the middle, thought to be Britain’s oldest referee, still officiates three games a week.

He has taken charge of more than 5,000 matches in a career spanning 43 years.

Great-grandad Frank said: “I just love football. But you’ve got to play it to the rules, so no diving... and no dissent.

“I don’t accept any trouble, even from spectators.

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“There’s been times when I’m leaving the field and someone will ask how old I am. I ask how old they think I am. They might say 67, but I’ll always say ‘spot on’.

Frank Foster, 89, refereeing under 7's during their football game at Goodwin Sports Centre in Sheffield (SWNS)

“I don’t even think about my age. I’ll be a referee until I can’t keep up with them. I might eventually need a moped at half-time but I’ll always keep doing it.”

Frank refs men’s, women’s and kids’ games for the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA in South Yorkshire.

Frank Foster, 89, with his great grandson Joshua Saleh age 7 (SWNS)

Frank Foster pictured in his playing days before he became a referee (Courtesy Frank Foster / SWNS)

After quitting playing footie in the early-1950s due to a knee injury, he took up coaching then began refereeing in 1980.

Frank, from Sheffield, has reffed for thousands of players over the years including ex-England star Tony Currie, 73, who played non-League football after his time as a pro.

Adam Aspinall