Lincolnshire Referee, Ethan Paragreen, has been awarded with the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award at the inaugural FA Referee Recognition Awards held at Wembley Stadium on Monday evening. 

He received his award from FA CEO, Mark Bullingham, and FA Head of Referee Operations, Peter Elsworth.

Ethan, 17, still plays and coaches at Stamford AFC as well as regularly refereeing on the Peterborough Junior Alliance League – mainly in the Stamford area doing two games a weekend in the middle. 

Michael Brader, Referee Development Manager, said: “Lincolnshire FA are delighted that Ethan has been recognised nationally at the end of his very first season as a Referee after only completing his course at Stamford in August last year.

“His positive attitude and willingness to ensure a positive experience for the participants in his games makes him a deserving winner. It was especially pleasing that he was able to receive the award at the Home of Football [Wembley Stadium] and that his Mum, Melanie, was there to enjoy the moment.

“Like so many others, Melanie spends most of her weekends taking Ethan and his twin brother Joe, who is also a Referee, to their games all over South Lincolnshire. The inaugural Award Ceremony saw thirteen grassroots Referees recognised from across the Country in various categories from the 30 thousand Referees nationally in what will surely become an annual event.”

Are you looking to start a new chapter in your footballing story? We have 5 FA Refereeing Courses coming up this summer for you to begin your journey:

The Priory City Of Lincoln Academy, Lincoln

Thursday 15th June: 6pm to 9pm
Sunday 18th June: 9am to 5pm 

Booking Link 

Western Primary School, Grimsby

Thursday 22nd June: 6pm to 8:30pm
Sunday 25th June: 9am to 5pm

Booking Link 

Zeeco Stadium, Stamford

Thursday 29th June: 6pm to 9pm
Sunday 2nd July: 9am to 5pm

Booking Link 

Boston United Football Club, Boston

Wednesday 5th July: 6pm to 9pm
Saturday 8th July: 9:30am to 5pm

Booking Link 

The Venue at Roses, Gainsborough

Thursday 13th July: 6pm to 9pm
Sunday 16th July: 9am to 5pm

Booking Link 

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