The referee: "I'm trying to make football a more fun and safe environment"

Alfie Watts will be one of the international referees in the Gothia Cup in Cancun.

He’s passionate about football and refereeing. He can’t wait to go to Mexico for the Gothia Cup.
– I love managing people and I’m trying to make football a more fun and safe environment, particularly for children, says Alfie Watts.

Alfie Watts is a 19-year-old sports coach and referee from London in the UK.
– I have worked as a professional first-team football scout for FC Twente and also worked at talkSPORT in England. My passion is football and traveling the world - something I can do a lot of luckily in my role.
Why did you become a referee?
– I became a referee as I was never really the best player but always knew I had a desire and a place to work in the game. I love managing people and I’m trying to make football a more fun and safe environment, particularly for children.

He's at level 5 in the UK Referee step ladder, meaning he can referee regional games at any age, and elite youth games nationally.
– I also work as part of a team that referees in Premier League stadiums in Summer called Play on the Pitch, including the home of Chelsea, Stamford Bridge.
What is the funniest thing about being a referee?
– The funniest thing about being a referee is the characters you meet along the way. Whether it be the other referees you meet with crazy habits, or players that hate you, or managers that swear at you and then shake your hand! You meet so many different people and really get to laugh about some of the things you see, says Alfie Watts.
What are your dreams as a referee in the future?
– My dreams as a referee are to try and make it to the top, of course; the World Cup final etcetera. However, a more personal dream of mine is to referee in all six major continents and referee in 30 countries by the time I’m 25. I think I gain a far more rich experience from cultural differences in football that I wouldn't get in England.

He's really happy to get the chance to work at the Gothia Cup.
– I’m so excited. I haven't been to Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, but I plan to very, very soon. I love the passion the organisers have for youth football, and the sheer magnitude the tournament runs on. I eagerly await the stay in the illustrious Grand Oasis complex and look forward to refereeing high-level matches, hopefully showcasing what I can do to those watching, says the referee.