The UEFA European U19 Championship finals kick-off in north Wales this week, and for Ian Bird from Port Talbot, being selected as an Assistant Referee for the tournament back in 2018 proved to be one of his career highlights.
Bird, 40, is a familiar face in the Novira Cymru Premier having officiated in the top division since 2012, and became a Specialist Assistant Referee three years later. For the last decade he has been a FIFA official, and his career has enabled him to travel across Europe with regular appointments for UEFA club and international fixtures.
“I was selected for the EURO U17 finals that took place in Croatia in 2017 and was appointed for the semi-final between Spain and Germany,” explained Bird to FAW.cymru. A year later Bird was selected for the EURO U19 finals in Finland, a tournament that saw the emergence of players such as Erling Haaland of Norway as well as Italian duo Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
“We knew going into the tournament that these were future superstars,” said Bird. “It was great to represent Wales and a great experience to work with officials from other nations. It meant I could utilise skills and attributes from my refereeing colleagues from across the continent to not only bring my own game on, but take as much back as I could to the game in Wales.
“For me, those tournaments were highlights in my career. At the U19 tournament only eight Assistant Referees were selected from across Europe, and after a series of tests, trials and assessments I made the cut. The match referees at that tournament are now household names, so it was a great platform for us to move onto the next stage of our careers.”
Bird is a keen advocate of encouraging more people in Wales to consider a career as a match official, with the pathway to the top divisions of the men’s and women’s games an achievable aim. “As a smaller nation it is an easier journey to the top,” he added. “But once you’re there, you’re measured against those from major nations and the best full-time match officials.
“I’m very lucky to have had the support and coaching that I’ve had from the FAW. They don’t just court us to be good enough for the Cymru Premier, they court us to be amongst the best UEFA match officials. So, when I go abroad, I don’t feel out of place. I was able to learn from them, and I like to think they learn something from me as well.”
In addition to his international appointments, Bird has also achieved domestic recognition and has officiated at the Welsh Cup Final and League Cup Final. “Being rewarded for the hard work just gives you the extra motivation,” he explained.
“It helps you stay young and stay hungry. In the first part of my career, I was trying to get to the top, but the second half of my career is literally just working hard to stay there. You’ve got youngsters coming through, both domestically and internationally, who want my spot. So that gives me the motivation to work hard every day.
“My message to those considering following a career as a match official is to give it a try. It’s the best decision I ever made as it’s opened so many doors. Whether it’s for the team ethic, whether it’s for general fitness or whether it’s for the love of the game, once you try it once, I’m strongly confident you will see a career path.”
If you are inspired by Ian’s story, click here to begin your journey to becoming a match official.
