A LINLITHGOW referee has received the accolade of ‘Local Legend’ as part of Specsavers’ partnership with the Scottish FA.
With thousands of people giving up their time each week across the country to ensure their community can enjoy football, the Local Legends campaign aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes dedicated to grassroots football.
Cameron Stirling, from Linlithgow, has been recognised as a Local Legend for his dedication to refereeing and for promoting officiating to youngsters as a route for development within football.
At just 21, Cameron is a category three referee, balancing officiating Lowland League games with his studies at Edinburgh Napier University.
The business management and marketing student is also a Youth Referee Ambassador, starting out in refereeing at just 16, making the senior list at 17, and hopes to one day officiate a game in the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking upon receiving the award, Cameron said, ‘I’ve played football pretty much my whole life and just love the game.
‘It’s very nice to be recognised and I’m honoured to receive it, especially when the nomination came from my peers in the referees’ department.’
From Stranraer to Banks O’ Dee, Cameron has already travelled the length and breadth of the country as both a referee and a linesman.
His passion for the game comes from growing up playing football, but now hopes refereeing can provide him with a path to the top.
As part of his recognition, last November Cameron enjoyed a day out at Hampden Park to watch Scotland’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Norway in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match, courtesy of Specsavers and the Scottish FA.
Cameron also received a signed Scotland top from Steve Clarke’s men’s national squad as a part of their accolade.
Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our current partnership sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of grassroots football across the country.
‘Our Local Legends campaign is all about shining a spotlight on those away from the glamour of the top divisions, but who work just as hard to ensure Scotland’s communities benefit from the beautiful game.
‘From managing their local teams and making sure the pitch is in top shape for matchday, to referees making sure everyone’s game goes ahead or even just fervently following your club for decades – these unsung heroes embody what football is all about.
‘We are delighted to celebrate Cameron’s contribution to both football and his profession as a referee, particularly for one so young.
‘In our eyes, he truly is a Local Legend.’
Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.
The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland.
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