Andrew is a Chester FC and Liverpool fan who has the ambition of becoming a professional referee and to referee the Merseyside derby.

 Initially, Andrew was referred to us through the Bren Project which is a charitable organisation based in Chester offering people with learning disabilities and autism the opportunity to experience supportive work placements throughout Cheshire. 

Working collaboratively we have been able to ensure Andrew has registered as a Cheshire FA referee and is being supported to referee at an appropriate level of football.  He has been provided the opportunity to referee within the Cheshire Disability Social League and Cheshire FA College and School Festivals.  He will now look to referee locally in the Chester District Junior League and continue to develop his refereeing with the support of Cheshire FA.   

Daniel Landstrom, Cheshire FA Disability Football Development Officer, said

‘This is a great example of how working with different organisations across Cheshire such as the Bren Project can benefit the people of Cheshire.  Andrew has been through a challenging time in his personal life but he is passionate about refereeing and has been really keen to get involved in football locally.  He is a great role model for other young people in a similar situation and is a fantastic example of how football is for all.’ 

Referee Andrew Grainger said

‘I have really enjoyed refereeing at the disability football events and I’m now looking forward to progressing as a Cheshire FA referee.  Thank you to Ed and Dan at Cheshire FA who have been a massive help supporting me.’  

To find out more about disability football click HERE or for refereeing opportunities at Cheshire FA click HERE