78-year-old referee closing in on 2,500 matches

Malcom Edwards, nearly 80, has been a football referee since 1969 – starting while he was at university. He initially refereed part-time before going full-time in 1982, and over the years he’s racked up an incredible 2,460 matches. That includes some big occasions, like the FA Youth Cup Final.

What makes it even better is that he’s still going strong. He’s out every weekend refereeing Saturday and Sunday league games, and he’s now aiming for a personal milestone of 2,500 matches before he hangs up the whistle.

Outside of football, Malcolm moved to Audley village about 10 years ago and has really thrown himself into community life. He runs a social table tennis group and also looks after the village allotments, which he clearly loves.

Aston spoke to football referee Malcolm Edwards.

Photo by Tevarak Phanduang on Unsplash