Howard Webb, the World Cup Final Referee from South Yorkshire, was presented with an award for helping to inspire some of the region’s most vulnerable youngsters.

The international referee, who is on sabbatical leave from his career as a Police Sergeant, received a certificate from the Lord Mayor, Cllr Alan Law J.P, in recognition of his contribution to the local community.

Council Officer Patrick Meleady, who manages a scheme providing positive activities for young people, nominated Howard for the award. He said: “Most people know that Howard is a serving South Yorkshire Police Officer, and throughout his career has worked in some of South Yorkshires most challenging areas.  But what people are not aware of is that Howard contributes a substantial amount of time to improving children and young peoples’ lives, and regularly participates in activities to help and support others.

“Despite being an international referee, Howard regularly contributes time, effort and energy to help with our Positive Activities for Young People programme, and has been an inspiration to some of Sheffield and South Yorkshires’ most vulnerable young people.”

Presenting the certificate, Cllr Alan Law said: “Howard is an inspirational leader, a positive role model, and a great team player. 

 “He is truly a great ambassador for Sheffield, Rotherham and South Yorkshire, and has motivated literally thousands of local youngstersto change their lives for the better.”

Receiving the award at a reception held in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour, Howard Webb took the opportunity to talk to a group of local children about his life and work.

He said: “In every football match the referee makes around 400 decisions that affect the game.  It was following my ambitions that lead me to make the two best decisions of my life – to be a referee and a police officer.

“When I took the whistle up I never dreamed that 21 years later I would go on to be the referee in both the Champions League and World Cup Finals. It goes to show that by making sacrifices and trying hard you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”

 Superintendent Andy Barrs commented, "Howard is an inspiration to young people not only in South Yorkshire but across the world. His involvement in youth projects across the county is greatly appreciated and, in Sheffield his personal commitment, energy and enthusiasm has helped partners drive the highly successful 'Blastoff' community football project which is making a real difference to the lives of young people."

Pictured: Patrick Meleady, Positive Activities for Young People Manager, Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Alan Law, Sergeant Howard Webb, Acting Deputy District Commander Andy Barrs