Ben starts post as RDO at Suffolk FA
BEN Bowles is the new Referee Development Officer at Suffolk FA.
The 33-year-old, who is a Level 3 Referee, is originally from Kent, being born and growing up in Gravesend.
Ben spent six years working at Salix Cricket Bats in manufacturing and sales before joining the British Army at the age of 24.
He spent two years based in Dorset and seven in Colchester before deciding to leave and then take up at the opportunity to work at Suffolk FA.
Ben, who started refereeing in 2014, is a Level 3 male pathway referee primarily officiating at Step 3 and 4 of the Non-League System.
His career highlights so far include refereeing the Kent Senior Cup Final between Cray Valley Paper Mills and Ashford United at Maidstone United FC in 2016 and being fourth official at last season’s Isthmian League Play-Off Semi-Final between Felixstowe & Walton United and Bowers & Pitsea.
Ben said: “Being appointed as the custodian of Suffolk FA refereeing is an exciting opportunity for me to have the chance to develop and have a positive impact progressing and assisting every match official within Suffolk.”
During his spare time Ben is a keen cricketer, playing at Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC and also coaching within the Youth set-up. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Suffolk FA Chief Executive Richard Neal said: “Ben’s passion for referee development as part of the wider football landscape shone brightly throughout the recruitment process, and I’m delighted to have him join the Suffolk FA team and county refereeing network – he will be a real asset to us and refereeing as a whole across the county.”
One of the first areas Ben will lead is Referee Registration for the 2024-25 season, which opened on June 1st.
Referees can register by clicking below providing they have the correct Safeguarding requirements and have registered as a referee within the last two seasons (2023-24 or 2022-23).
Any 16 year old or older referees who wish to officiate youth (≤U18) football also must have an in-date FA DBS Check prior to registering.
