Catching up with Tom Strawbridge
Having represented Guernsey at every level, from Star Trophy to Senior Muratti, and enjoyed more than a decade playing for Guernsey FC, Tom Strawbridge is certainly no stranger to the beautiful game. But, having swapped his football boots for a referee's whistle, he's now making his mark as a match official.
We caught up with Tom to discover how Victoria Park's sponsorship is helping him take his refereeing career to new heights, the challenges and rewards of officiating, and why he's determined to keep raising the bar.
Can you provide some background on your career, your connection to local football and how you began refereeing?
I've played football pretty much all my life and was fortunate enough to represent Guernsey at every level, from Star Trophy through to Senior Muratti. I was also lucky enough to play for Guernsey FC for over 10 years, aside from a few injury spells and other breaks.
Having finished playing at the end of the 2021/22 season, mainly due to a severe groin injury, I decided to take up the whistle. I actually qualified as a referee when I was 18 but only did it briefly so I could focus on playing.
When the injuries got the better of me, I thought I could still move around enough to referee. It's still very physical, but you can take the impact out of it and there are fewer impulsive movements, so it's a bit easier on the body. It's been a good change of direction for me, and I'm keen to keep pushing on and reach as high a level as possible.
Why is Victoria Park's sponsorship important, and how has it helped you develop?
I think the main thing is that it's opened doors for me beyond Guernsey's shores, which, for a local referee, is massively beneficial. The local game here is excellent; we've got great facilities and strong support, but it's important to challenge yourself beyond the island. Thankfully, I've been fortunate that Victoria Park has helped me do that.
The support enables me to travel to the UK regularly and referee at a higher level of football. It also gives me the opportunity to experience new grounds and work with different teams and UK-based match officials.
As we all know, travelling to the mainland comes with a significant financial burden, so the sponsorship makes a massive difference in terms of progressing my refereeing career. Hopefully, it will also help pave the way for future Guernsey match officials to experience a similar journey.
What have been some highlights from the past season?
Generally, getting away, travelling off-island and officiating different games at new grounds has been a real eye-opener and an incredibly enjoyable experience.
I was also fortunate enough to be appointed to the Division One play-off final at the end of the season, which was a real honour in my first year at that stage and as a Level 4 referee.
The whole experience has been excellent - long may it continue!
What was your favourite match and why?
Probably the play-off final that I've just mentioned, mainly because it was an appointment I didn't expect. It felt like a real reward for my commitment and for putting in some decent performances.
What are you most looking forward to next season?
Definitely the continued learning and development. You know you're only as good as your last game, so I think you've just got to keep pushing on, progressing, learning and taking opportunities when they arise.
It's not just about what you do on the field; it's about committing to everything off it, from the travel to personal development. It all counts.
We've also got some younger referees coming through who I've been speaking to. They're curious and asking questions about the journey, and it's exciting to see the next generation of referees coming through the ranks.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I'd like to progress as far up the ladder as possible. Who knows what that looks like, but with the support of Victoria Park, I'm already officiating at a level I previously didn't think was possible.
We get observed quite regularly in the UK, so I'm focused on achieving good assessment scores, performing well and retaining my Level 4 status. Staying fit is obviously an important part of it all, too.
If I can progress further, I will, but ultimately, it's about continuing to learn, enjoy the game and develop.
What's your dream match to referee?
Locally, I think everyone would say either the Upton as referee or the Muratti as assistant referee. They're the most prestigious appointments you can get in Guernsey or Channel Island football, so I'm lucky to have done both.
The Muratti, especially, was a fantastic learning experience. You officiate alongside a Football League referee, and this year it was David Rock, which was great. You pick up so much from working with someone at that level.
Ultimately, both fixtures involve two Channel Island teams going head-to-head, so they're really exciting appointments to get and a real honour. Beyond that, I'd love to referee at the highest level possible.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about refereeing?
I think referees often get overlooked as human beings. We've got a difficult job out there, and some of it needs to be procedural and a bit robotic. But we do care, and I think that can sometimes get lost in the heat of battle.
I've been on the other side of the fence myself, so I completely understand the frustrations. But we're also fans of football, and we want to perform to the best of our ability. I think that can sometimes be overlooked.
What advice would you give to people considering a future in refereeing?
Refereeing isn't for everyone, but if you're considering it, I'd recommend doing the course and starting with some youth games. That's rewarding in itself, and it also provides a great platform for referees with higher ambitions.
It's not an easy vocation, and there are some tough days, but the enjoyment and highs are incredibly rewarding.
My only other advice for new referees is to set high standards, be accountable no matter what match you're officiating, and do it with a smile on your face. The game of football deserves that.
