Sunderland Referees welcome Ian Blanchard as guest speaker to Februarys meeting

On the 1st September 2005, I became the Head of National Referee Development at the FA. I now have responsibility for the recruitment, retention and development of all referees involved in the National game through to Supply League level. I also manage the seven Regional Referees Managers.”

Mr. Blanchard’s Portfolio:
• 1988: First refereeing experience in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
• 1989: Promoted to Class 1 or Level 5.
• 1989: Promoted to Northern Premier League Assistant referees List.
• 1990: Promoted to Referee on Northern Premier League.
• 1991: Promoted onto the National List of assistant referees.
• 1992: Promoted onto the Premier League as an Assistant referee.
• 1994: Qualified as a FA Licensed referee Instructor.
• 1999: Joined FA Staff as a Group Instructor on the National Course.
• 2000: Joined FA Staff on the International Referee Instructor Course.
• 2001: Employed as a FA Regional Manager.

Mr. Blanchard made 5 visits to Wembley to officiate in the following memorable games:
• 1995: FA Vase Final Oxford City v Ardsley Utd.
• 1996: FL Div 1 Play Off Final – Crystal Palace v Leicester City.
• 1998: Div 2 Play Off Final – Man City v Gillingham.
• 1999: FA Trophy Final – Southport v Cheltenham.
• 2000 FL Div 1 Play Off Final – Barnsley v Ipswich Town.

Tags: Guest Speaker, Ian Blanchard