English Schools' Football Association

Howard Webb

Premier League and FIFA Referee Howard Webb has been appointed to referee the forthcoming England v. Scotland U.18 Schools International Match when the ESFA return to Wembley after a break of 7 years. The match, in the International Board’s Centenary Shield, is for the Bobby Moore Trophy.

Howard, from Rotherham in Yorkshire, is a sergeant in the South Yorkshire Police and he began his refereeing in the Rotherham leagues in 1989. He then progressed to the Northern Counties East League and in 1996 was appointed an assistant referee in the Football League and as an assistant referee in the Premier League two years later.

In 2000 Howard was included on the National list of Football League Referees and stepped up to the Select Group for the Premiership three years later. In 2005 he was appointed as a FIFA official.

Howard will be England’s representative to referee in the UEFA Euro 2008.

On receiving news of his appointment Howard Webb said :-

Howard Webb

It really is a tremendous honour to have been selected to take charge of this very important match for The English Schools Football Association at the magnificent Wembley Stadium.

Schools Football plays a huge part in developing young people, not only by improving on-field ability but also by emphasising the importance of team-work and instilling discipline and a sense of fair-play, which are so important for the future of our game.

The players on show today are the future of our game and I look forward to being part of what should be a very entertaining afternoon of sporting excellence.

Howard will be assisted at Wembley by Ray Brown, Steve Hames and 4^th Official Paul Watts.