Alex Croker is one to look out for

Alex Croker is another young official who has made rapid progress since passing a referee's course run by Eddie Hughes and Bob Moore in Weston-super-Mare four years ago.

The 18-year-old, pictured above, played in defence at several levels for Yatton Athletic when, among his contemporaries was Dan Ball, who later attracted interest from Bristol City.

However, he felt he would probably make a better referee than a footballer, so he took up the whistle in boys' competitions as a teenager.

He began refereeing in the Woodspring and Weston Mini leagues for age groups from nine to 16 year olds, before graduating to senior football in Somerset.

Alex joined the Weston & District League and he was soon promoted to the Somerset County League list, while gaining further experience as an assistant on the line in the Toolstation Western League.

His appointments have already taken him to many grounds around the Bristol area, including Cadbury Heath, Keynsham, Almondsbury and Manor Farm, as well as travelling further afield to places like Odd Down and Peasedown.

He has continued to be associated with junior football on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as being involved with Yeovil Academy Under-18 games.

His commitment to officiating has inspired his father Graham, a former Blagdon player, and his 15-year-old brother Matt to also qualify and join the ranks of referees in Somerset.

The highlight of his career so far has been running the line in the Girls Under-15 international between England and Germany at Bisham Abbey, an experience he will long remember.

He plays cricket as a batsman for Claverham in the summer, when he is also a keen surfer, but soccer remains his first love and he hopes to find sport-based employment on leaving Backwell School's sixth form.

He believes the FA's Respect programme can help referees to control a game with co-operation of team captains.

"We have to work with the captains, although the Respect programme has not quite kicked off yet in lower grades," said Alex, who as a referee, is at level six going onto five at present.