FOOTBALL REFEREE’S MUIR LIFESTYLE GIVING HIM THE CONFIDENCE TO KICK ON
A FOOTBALL referee says he certainly won’t be blowing the whistle on his time with Muir as he takes to the pitch for the Cheshire FA.
Twenty-three-year-old Andrew Grainger has been living in supported housing with Muir for the last 12 months and says he’s more than happy to wave play on rather than brandish a red card.
He keeps those strictly for the football pitch – refereeing within the Cheshire Disability Social League, and Cheshire FA College and School Festivals.
Liverpool fan Andrew dreams of refereeing the Merseyside Derby, and is being given the chance to gain experience by Cheshire FA via The Bren Project - a charitable organisation based in Chester offering people with learning disabilities and autism the opportunity to experience supportive work placements throughout Cheshire.
“Learning to be a referee with Cheshire FA is really good fun,” Andrew said.
“I really enjoy getting out and taking part on the pitch; it helps me see a different side of the game.
“Cheshire FA have been really helpful and supportive and it’s a great opportunity.
“You do take a bit of stick when you’re a referee but it’s a great way to meet people because it takes you into communities.”
Andrew says refereeing has become a big part of his life and that living at Chester’s Rowlands Lodge with Muir helped him to gain more independence and the confidence to do something different.
“I’ve made lots of friends there and having more independence has been really important for me,” Andrew added.
To learn more about supported housing with Muir visit: https://www.muir.org.uk/supported
More information about The Bren Project is available here: http://www.brenproject.org.uk/
You can also learn more about opportunities available at Cheshire FA via this link: http://www.cheshirefa.com/coach/development-and-courses