The Salford Red Devils Foundation are delighted with the success of young local referee, Brody Partington, who has taken the first steps on the path to a career as a Match Official.
Brody, 14, completed his level 2 Match Officials qualification through the Foundations ‘Big Hits’ programme, and is now volunteering with the Foundation, officiating at local junior festivals.
The Walkden High School pupil, who still plays rugby at a community level has also taken charge of a number of school fixtures, in kit provided by the Foundation.
Education Manager Neil Blackburn has overseen Brody through his development and is delighted to see the progress being made, saying;
“It’s fantastic to have a local youngster so passionate about refereeing, and we’re really happy to help him along the way to being a professional Match Official. It would be great to see him become one of the first Salford based Super League Match Officials, and we’re looking forwards to helping him continue to develop.”
The Big Hits programme is devoted to upskiling participants and enabling people to be a positive contribution to both the rugby league and local community, and Foundation Director Mark Brocklehurst is pleased to see the initiative producing results;
“It’s great to see someone like Brody really benefitting from the Big Hits programme, its something we’ve put in place to empower people to not only benefit themselves but also the people in their communities, and its testament to Brody that he’s engaged with the programme and continued to volunteer with us”.
Anyone interested in participating in the Big Hits programme, or pursuing a Match Officials qualification should contact Neil Blackburn at neil.blackburn@reddevilsrugby.co.uk
