Calvin passes referee exam with flying colours
A 10-year-old boy received a particularly big achievement for an exam that usually only starts from the age of 12 and upwards.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Calvin Westwood (10) dreams of one day playing for Manchester United, the soccer team that fueled his love for the sport.
This Marist Brothers pupil and Brackenhurst resident started playing soccer almost three years ago at his school, but it got even more serious when he joined the under 10 team of the Rovers Football Club in Alberton as striker about a year ago.
Being a sporting fanatic since he can remember, he decided to take the official referee certification exam for soccer through the South African Football Association (SAFA).
According to his mother, Belinda, this is a particularly big achievement as the entry level age for this certification only starts from the age of 12 and upwards.
Calvin, who noticed that a lot of the coaches at the club were doing it, thought it might be a wonderful opportunity and asked for exception to attend and partake in the exam.
“Even if I did not pass the exam I will know a little bit more about the game of soccer, like the game rules,” Calvin said.
He finished his examination in record time and passed it with flying colours.
Calvin hopes to pursue a soccer career with Manchester United one day and will be joining one of the junior football mentorship teams in the United Kingdom later next year when he relocates with his parents.
Asked about who his soccer role models are, he said it is without a doubt Christiano Ronaldo.
“We are so proud of our young soccer star, and wish him every success with his blossoming soccer career,” said Belinda.
