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Young on his way to be the FIFA 'Man in the Middle'

Andy Bickerton, BVIFA President, congratulates Norval Young on his appointment to the FIFA/CONCACAF Officials list: Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – BVI Football Association President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, showed Norval Young his cards on Wednesday January 22, 2014, not to send the Referee “Off” but “On” to bigger and better things as Young has just become a FIFA sanctioned Assistant Referee.

The achievement is best put in perspective as Young is just the third Referee in BVIFA history to reach such a high level of recognition.

Young, who has been plying his love for the game, through Refereeing, came to prominence at a recent Tournament held in the Cayman Islands for Under 15 Boys, where as part of a new CONCACAF initiative, Referees from around the Caribbean were invited to take part.

“The invitation to go to the U15 Tournament was a new initiative where referees from around the region were invited to officiate by CONCACAF, where they could mix with current FIFA refs and be assessed,” explained Young.

Although Young wasn’t given any games early in the tournament, he remained positive and showed his desire to reach the higher level by taking notes and learning from the games he watched.

“The first few days passed without me getting any games, but I took notes and watched what the others did, whether good or bad, and listened to all the feedback. When I got my opportunity I just did my best and at the game I heard word that I was doing well. However, I was still surprised to be selected to be asked to stay for the semi finals and also the final.”

As one of the Assistant Referees in that Championship Game and based on his performance along with the reports from the Referee assessors, Young was earmarked as deserving of FIFA recognition.

“It was a lot of hard work, but now I’m just waiting to see if I get appointed any matches by CONCACAF or FIFA.”

Assistant Referee status means that Young will start officiating higher level games as what used to be called a Linesman. As he gets more game experience under his belt, he will be promoted to the “man in the middle”, having met the criteria, such as fitness and ability to handle situations he may face.

13 Responses to “Young on his way to be the FIFA 'Man in the Middle'”

  • ... (23/01/2014, 08:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    congrats Mr. Young
  • Concern 1 (23/01/2014, 09:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes congrats to you Mr young and may you strive to higher and higher levels. Dont give in or give up
  • BVIslander (23/01/2014, 10:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats! Keep doing your best and making the BVI, especially the VG people proud.
  • polo (23/01/2014, 10:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good to see Mr. Young moving on up...He is one of the few real referees
  • dj (23/01/2014, 12:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big up Shrimp, we ALL know you got talent, all rounder..........................Young All the Best, congrats!!!! shotta!!
  • oh boy (23/01/2014, 14:43) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congrats Mr. Young - pity you wouldn't be around long enough for the BVI to benefit from your service. They always use the BVI to get then they leave.
  • virgin gorda (23/01/2014, 15:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    good going Mr. Young we are proud of you
  • weed (23/01/2014, 18:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    That was beautiful!!!! Well done Norval...
  • O'Mally (23/01/2014, 21:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heartiest Congratulations Norval. I am certain that all the Lions are 'roaring' with you. We are proud of you.
    You are surely moving on up!
  • Sonia O-S (24/01/2014, 00:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Ln Norval. I am very proud of your achievement. I know you will continue to do well.
    All of 60B are cheering you on.
  • Megs Watson (24/01/2014, 00:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Lion Norval. The Lions Club of New Kingston is so proud of you. Now I know that it's not just good music that you are good at playing. LOL.
  • Lion Tony Buncamper (24/01/2014, 07:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats my brother. Well done and hope to see you in the middle at one of our concocaf matches in the near future.
  • Lion Carmen Matthew (30/01/2014, 11:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    To: Lion Norval Young, Zone Chairman, Zone 2A – On behalf of Lion President Phyllis Massac, the Board of Directors’ and the entire membership of Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Lions Club, we Congratulate you on your prestigious achievement. May God guide and protect you as you make various decisions. Well done my brother.

    Yours in Lionism,
    Lion Carmen Matthew


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