Former Carlisle United midfielder training to become a referee
Ex-Blues midfielder Anthony Griffith is one of the latest ex-players to aim to make the switch to officiating.
He is among the players looking to make the move through a programme run by the Professional Footballers' Association.
The PFA revealed that Griffith was one of the officials for this week's pre-season game between a PFA free agent XI and Port Vale - another of his former clubs.
Griffith was one of the assistant referees along with ex-Walsall midfielder Sam Mantom, while former Barnsley defender George Smith was in the middle.
They are involved in the players union's "Player to Match Official" programme.
The Port Vale game on Tuesday saw Kadeem Harris play for the PFA side as he continues to mull over a decision on his future. Former Carlisle players Sam Lavelle, Olufela Olomola and Paul Farman were also involved.
The course was launched last year by the PFA and refereeing body PGMOL.
Hughes weighs up Carlisle United captaincy decision
Some ten current or former players are taking the three-year refereeing scholarship, which is funded and supported by the Premier League.
PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb said: 'It's been fantastic to collaborate with the PFA on this programme and the level of interest from their members strongly indicates they feel this is an exciting opportunity to explore an avenue which could potentially lead them to the highest levels of our game – this time as a match official.'
Griffith, 38, was on United's books in the 2014/15 season after bring signed by Keith Curle.
He made 11 appearances for the Cumbrians.
Another former Carlisle and Port Vale player, Chris Birchall, is also training to be a referee.
FLASH SALE: Get unlimited access to every Carlisle United article by subscribing to the News & Star for £6 for 6 months or a full year at half price - click for details
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Will there be an extra bank holiday if England's Lionesses win the Euros?
The England Lionesses have progressed to the Euros final after a 2-1 defeat over Italy on July 22. Sarina Weigman's side, who are the defending champions, saw a late equaliser from 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang hit the back of the net, and then it was Chloe Kelly's extra-time rebound from her penalty kick that secured their place in the final. You might be wondering if we'll have an extra bank holiday to celebrate if the Lionesses bring it home – here's what we know. Will England get an extra bank holiday if Lionesses win Euros? It's unlikely England will have an extra bank holiday added to the calendar as it wasn't something that happened when the Lionesses won the Euros last time, in 2022. The team beat Germany's side 2-1 in the final and could face the team again, depending on how the match plays out on July 23 between Germany and Spain. No bank holiday has been confirmed if England's Lionesses win the Euros again. When is the Women's Euro final 2025? The final will take place on Sunday, July 27 at 5pm, but the team England will face is yet to be decided. Coverage of the match starts at 4pm on ITV1 with kick-off being 5pm. Lucy Bronze insisted England had nothing to prove after booking their place in the Euro 2025 final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Italy in Geneva. 'I think people from the outside think teams have to win every single game,' defender Bronze said. 'I think people talk about consistency with this England team, we've done six consecutive semi-finals, three consecutive finals, who else has done that? Nobody. 'You know, Spain and Germany are fantastic teams, even they haven't managed that feat. Recommended reading: How to watch Women's Euro final as England secures place after dramatic comeback Who is the manager of England's Lionesses? 5 things to know about Sarina Wiegman 'Warm and witty' football icon set to join BBC's Match of the Day as new pundit 'It's hard to stay at the top in international football, so many teams, they have performances, then it's up and down, they develop, but this team just keeps fighting until the end. 'I feel like we didn't have anything to prove because we've been there, we've done it many, many times. 'It's just the fact that the game's getting better, international football's not as easy as it used to be. Everybody's fighting and everyone wants to win and everyone feels like they can win.'
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
2025 Patriots training camp: Everything fans need to know as practices begin in Foxboro
Wednesday marks the start of a brand new era of NFL football in New England, with a former Patriot and fan favorite now serving as the sideline boss in Foxboro. Super Bowl champ Mike Vrabel will be calling the shots when the Patriots conduct their first training camp practice on the grass fields behind Gillette Stadium. Veterans and rookies have reported to Foxboro, and it's now time to hit the field to begin preparing for the 2025 season. Wednesday's practice begins at 10:15 a.m., but gates will open to fans at 9:15 a.m. There will also be a pet adoption with animal shelters on site. The Patriots will also hold public practices this week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Later this summer, New England will welcome the Washington Commanders to Foxboro for a joint practice on Aug. 6 ahead of their preseason opener on Aug. 8. What to know if you're heading to training camp: Important reminders for fans All practices are free of charge Bags will be checked by security No coolers, video cameras, noisemakers allowed No pets permitted unless it's a service animal Concessions available with cashless payment only The entire training camp practice schedule Wednesday, July 23 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Thursday, July 24 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Friday, July 25 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:00 a.m. Practice Begins Saturday, July 26 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Sunday, July 27 No Public Practice Monday, July 28 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:30 a.m. Practice Begins Tuesday, July 29 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Wednesday, July 30 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Thursday, July 31 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:00 a.m. Practice Begins Friday, August 1 No Public Practice Saturday, August 2 No Public Practice Sunday, August 3 No Public Practice Monday, August 4 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Tuesday, August 5 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:00 a.m. Practice Begins Wednesday, August 6 Joint practice with the Washington Commanders 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Thursday, August 7 No Public Practice Friday, August 8 7:30 p.m. Patriots Preseason Opener | New England Patriots vs. Washington Commanders Saturday, August 9 No Public Practice Sunday, August 10 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Here are some key storylines as camp opens: New head coach in Foxboro Vrabel, a former three-time Super Bowl-winning linebacker with the Patriots, will be tasked with turning around a team that finished 4-13 in the 2024 season. Vrabel's most recent head coaching experience was with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-2023, where he compiled a 54-45 record, including 3 playoff appearances, an AFC Championship Game appearance, and an AP Coach of the Year award in the 2021-22 NFL season. After Vrabel was hired in January, Boston 25's Butch Stearns sat down with the Patriots Hall of Famer to discuss forging a new legacy in New England, his past coaching experience, and his vision for the new culture in Foxboro. He is the 16th head coach in Patriots history. Year 2 of Drake Maye Promising second-year quarterback Drake Maye is gearing up to lead the Patriots in a full-time role after starting 12 games in 2024. Maye flashed upside in those games, completing 66% of his passes for 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 22-year-old, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, also showed the ability to impact games with his legs, rushing for 421 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries. Maye now gets an opportunity to flourish under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who orchestrated many prolific scoring attacks alongside the great Tom Brady. Maye is also now a married man. He got hitched to his longtime sweetheart in June. Maye and Ann Michael Hudson met in middle school, continued their relationship at the University of North Carolina, and got engaged in January. Key offseason additions Will Campbell The Patriots drafted Will Campbell out of Louisiana State University with the fourth overall pick in April's draft. There is high hope he can hold the left tackle position along the offensive line, protecting Maye's back for years to come. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) and rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams (Washington State) could also play major roles within the offense. Stefon Diggs Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs joined the Patriots in the offseason after suffering an ACL tear last October. Vrabel says Diggs won't have any limitations at the start of camp. Diggs, now 31, has played for the Vikings, Bills, and Texans over 10 seasons. He had piled up five consecutive seasons with more than 100 receptions before the injury limited him to just eight games in 2024. Diggs should give the Patriots a dynamic, downfield aerial threat in the passing game. Other notable offseason additions Defensive tackle Milton Williams Cornerback Carlton Davis Linebackers Robert Spillane and Harold Landry Offensive tackle Morgan Moses Wide receiver Mack Hollins Center Garrett Bradbury For more information on Patriots training camp, click here. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Colorado Rapids' Chidozie Awaziem returns to Nantes
FC Nantes have signed Nigerian international centre-back Chidozie Awaziem (28) from Colorado Rapids, both clubs have announced. Awaziem is back at La Beaujoire after already spending the 2017-2018 season on loan from FC Porto with Les Canaris. Awaziem has now joined Nantes on a permanent basis, putting pen to paper over a three-year deal. Nantes were in the market for a centre-back after parting ways with Jean-Charles Castelletto and Nicolas Pallois. Awaziem will wear the No. 6 jersey with Nantes. 'When the opportunity presented itself, I didn't hesitate for a second to come back, because for me, Nantes is like home', Awaziem said. 'The people are lovely, the club is great, and I was really looking forward to returning to this environment.' 'We're grateful to Chido for his time with the club this season,' said Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith. 'We wish him nothing but success in this next chapter.' GFFN | Bastien Cheval
