The Referees of Hackney Marshes

Homerton Library: November 2023-March 2024

The 73 pitches of Hackney Marshes are internationally known as the spiritual home of Sunday league football.

With the passion, energy, competitiveness and logistics of the matches, it would be chaos without the many dedicated referees who give up their time each week. They wake up early on weekend mornings, and whatever the weather, head out to face the inevitable criticism from players and supporters on the touch lines. Why do they do it? The answer is simply a love of the game.

This collection of portraits by Tom Harrison shows referees from the Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth Football League and the Hackney Marshes Girls League, who throw themselves into the centre of the action every weekend.

Tom Harrison is a portrait photographer based in London, working on both commercial and artistic commissions. He combines ambient and studio lighting to create dynamic and cinematic images.

Find out more about Hackney Marshes Youth and Girls Leagues: https://hackney.gov.uk/football-development
Contact: michael.cole@hackney.gov.uk