THE longest-serving sponsor of Suffolk FA says it still fills him with the utmost pleasure to see his company name out in the footballing community.

Globex Freight Management Ltd are continuing to sponsor the Suffolk FA Referee Development Programme for 2019-20 season, which includes the Youth Referees’ Academy and Suffolk Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) Programmes.

The Youth Referee Academy provides a safe learning environment for young referees with potential to receive coaching support from more experienced officials.

Academy Referees warming-up ahead of officiating at the Ipswich Town Training Centre last Sunday. Top: Referee Academy sponsor and mentor Andy Wilding gives pre-match instructions to the officials.

Andy Wilding, a director of the Martlesham Heath-based business, said: “Another football season is well underway and Globex Freight Management Ltd are once again so pleased to be the Suffolk FA Youth Referee Academy sponsor.

“There is no bigger thrill than seeing the young referees at the academy adorning the logo of my business on their polo shirts and tracksuit tops.

“Also seeing match officials at Portman Road in the Suffolk FA cup finals and at refereeing events all wearing the Globex Freight Management brand.

“The young referees all look part of a Referee Academy being dressed in the same attire and looking very professional.

“I am passionate about refereeing development and being a former referee myself and now a referee coach alongside my referee tutoring, offering a sponsorship that carries the name of my business out in to the footballing community fills me with the utmost pleasure.

“I wish every success to our county referees for the 2019-20 season and look forward to seeing the younger referee at the Academy during the season.” 

Andy Wilding (centre) pictured with Suffolk FA Referee Academy mentors and officials pictured at the Ipswich Town Training Centre before last Sunday's fixtures.

Suffolk FA Senior Referee Development Officer Alan Dale said: “We are again very grateful to Andy and all at Globex Freight Management for their continued support of refereeing in Suffolk.

“Their sponsorship helps to enhance the development provision which Suffolk FA are able to offer the referees within our programmes which benefits all of Suffolk football.”

A member of the Youth Referees’ Academy also commented: “It’s fantastic to be part of the Youth Referees’ Academy. I get the chance to receive some great coaching and training Academy which makes gives me even more confidence when I go out to referee.”