Royal Navy have a presence on the EFL Championship after a long absence as Petty Officer Scott Jackson officiates at Swansea City on the opening day of the 2019/20 Football Season.

The 32-year-old was amongst the Professional Game Match Officials appointed to take charge of the first set of appointments; after his promotion to the Panel Select Referee list this summer.

Scott has been on one rollercoaster journey after completing the FA Basic Referee Course whilst on Leading Physical Trainer’s Course back in 2008.

Scott has had to endure the highs and lows of refereeing through the non-league pyramid in order to achieve is status as a Level 2A Referee. Starting out in the Plymouth Saturday League, through the South West Peninsula League, Western League, Southern League and National League North and South. This now positions him to kick on in the first rung of professional football.

Scott spoke about his appointment and said “When I was notified I could not believe it, I thought it was an U23 appointment. To be out on the Championship in itself is something I could only dream of. However, to be out on the first day was fantastic”. Not to stop there, it almost got a whole lot better for the ex-Blackburner. As 10 minutes into the game one of the assistant referee’s appeared to be injured and Scott almost got his debut. However, it wasn’t to be and the warm up came to nothing and then the tracksuit top was quickly put back on and fourth official duties were resumed.

Scott who now lives in Bridgwater, Somerset and works as a Social Worker for Naval Service Family and People Support (NS FPS) and volunteers his time as the Referee Development Officer for the RN is eagerly looking forward to this season. He embarks on the Royal Navy Elite Sportsman programme to accommodate both his primary role in the Naval Service whilst pursuing a career in professional football.

If you are interested in becoming a Football referee and want to follow on the same path as Scott, why not contact him on scott.jackson@navyfa.com