17-07-2025
Former Carlisle United midfielder training to become a referee
A former Carlisle United player is 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.
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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.
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