Wales to Cyprus
By Tony Watson
I was born in Barry Island, South Wales in 1957 and enlisted into the Army in April 1972.
I left the Army in December 2007 having served with the Royal Green Jackets in various countries around the world. I married Sue in January 1976 and have two sons who both live in different parts of North Wales. Highlights of my career were as the youngest Rifleman was having the privilege to have dinner with HM Queen in Dover in the summer of 1975. Followed by winning the Infantry Football Cup in 1989.
Whilst playing for my Regiment in Aylesbury in 1990 I injured my Medial Cruciate Ligament, and was told I might not play football again, however with determination and a lot of physiotherapy I went onto proving them wrong. During my time in Cyprus from 1993 to 1996, I passed my coaching qualification in 1994, playing and coaching with both the Army (Cyprus) and Combined Services (Cyprus) Football sides.
I Moved to Wrexham in 1996 taking up a position as Office Manager of the Army Careers office, during my time there I was very much involved within local community football, Managing, Coaching and Mentoring a local side Upton Junior FC in Chester and being part of a team of Coaches for the Chester Youth Development Programme.
In 2001 in recognition of my Services to both Army Recruiting and to Chester Youth Development I was honored to be presented the prestigious award of the Meritorious Service Medal {MSM}
I retired from the Army Careers office in Wrexham in December 2007 and moved to Paphos, Cyprus where I worked part-time for 4 years with the British Forces Cyprus Education Services as a Vocational Assessor and Internal Verifier before my diagnosis with oropharyngeal cancer in May 2017, this was a very challenging period but I maintained a very positive attitude which gave me the energy to not only regain my health but reinvigorated my pursuance in playing football again. I am happy to say I have now been in remission for 8 years.
Pafos United WFC was formed in 2019, to which a friend of mine introduced me to in March of that year, taking part played a major role in not only helping my speech recovery but also for my mental wellbeing. I was invited to join the club’s coaching staff because of my background and knowledge in the sport. Eventually I became the club’s leading coach, which was quickly followed by being elected as Chairperson. It is great being able to socialise and meet others, share camaraderie, enjoy the fun, friendship and fitness of Walking Football.
From its inception, the club has had a code of conduct which is acknowledged and adhered to by all members. I have maintained keeping this up to date, and working alongside the WFA, ensured it was factual and could be used by all, adding any changes or pertinent information that could be passed onto all other club’s and referees here in Cyprus.
Not being satisfied with just being Chair of the Club and a regular player, I invited Nigel Genner from the WFA to train potential referees here in Cyprus to obtain the necessary qualification to pursue their interest. I undertook the course, as I knew I would eventually take this route to improve my knowledge of the sport. Having passed the course as a qualified WFA Tournament referee. I have participated in two Ladies’ Chase Buchannon Cup competitions plus the recent Mens’ Jeavons Eurotir Trophy competition, during both of which Tony Skelton from the WFA passed on his knowledge and expertise to all match officials. {See Photo: Tony Skelton on Left, myself, Kim Solly, Mark Hignett}
In February 2023 I was honoured to receive the WFA Grassroots International/coach of the year award.
The WFA England Ladies over 50’s and over 60’s visited the island in March 2024 for training, and were involved in several round robin matches against the local teams, where I officiated the two England sides playing each other. There followed both age groups playing against Cyprus Walking Football Federation representative teams, for which I was selected to be assistant referee. {See Photo: Barry Fryett on Left, Mark Hignett in the middle with myself on the right}
Unfortunately, I have had to stop playing competitive football on medical grounds, It was at this stage I relinquished the chairperson of Pafos United WFC and was elected Honorary President. This also meant I could offer my assistance with training sessions, either as a coach or a referee ensuring players are conversant with the latest Laws of the Game {LOTG} as well as pursue refereeing within the WFA and FIWFA community.
I also actively encourage the referees here in Cyprus to join the WFA Referees Association and keep them informed of the relevant social media platforms they can belong to for chats and updated information. I am currently working alongside the WFA Lead Referee here in Cyprus, Mark Hignett, in setting up the local Academy and assisting with mentoring new referees.
Yours in Sport
Tony Watson
