Five generations after his great-great-grandfather refereed in the old Football League First Division, a new Hampshire FA referee seeks to follow in his footsteps.

The obituary below is for John McAleer, who passed away in 1940.

The obituary reads, ‘he was also familiar in football circles all over the country as a first division referee, and his masterly handling of a semi-final cup tie was acclaimed by the press.’

Based in Bootle, Merseyside, John travelled all up and down the country refereeing the highest standard of English football. 81 years and five generations later, John McAleer’s great-great-great-grandson, Cameron, is beginning his refereeing journey as a Hampshire FA referee this Summer! His brother, Matt, (both pictured below at Cameron’s first football match) was also a Hampshire FA referee.

Perhaps it’s in the genes? We could one day see him referee at the top level of English football like his great-great-grandfather once did!

All at Hampshire FA wish Cameron the best of luck on his journey.

If you’re interested in starting your refereeing journey, please see our Get Into Refereeing Page or email Andy.Moisey@HampshireFA.com