Hackney Marshes Referees Exhibition

See Tom Harrison’s photo exhibition on Hackney Marshes referees at Homerton Library

Malkeet Singh with his portrait at Homerton Library

“I referee for the love of football,” says Malkeet Singh. “From a young age I have loved watching it, playing on Hackney Marshes and coaching. Then I became a referee. I love every aspect of football – the strategy, passion and aggression. 

“Everyone starts in grassroots football. At one point in any person’s life that is where you start. For some people that might be where they stay.  Being part of the team,  wearing the kit, the training – there’s no better feeling.”

Malkeet, who has been refereeing at Hackney Marshes for more than 10 years, has now become a poster boy for the role after his portrait won the Portrait of Britain Award by the British Journal of Photography.

Photographer Tom Harrison, who took Malkeet’s picture, says: “I chose to submit the photo of Malkeet because he’s got a  real stare in the picture that  stays with you. Also, the role  of Asian referees in the UK is rare, so I thought it was an interesting picture, which asks a few questions. 

“I’ve always been fascinated in grassroots football. I played in Sunday leagues from age seven to 30 and I’ve always found the people who decide to be referees really interesting. These pictures are quite a clear testament at how diverse they are. 

“With around 75 football pitches Hackney Marshes is one of the most iconic grassroots football hubs in the UK. I hope this set of pictures shows the heroes who referee each weekend.”

The collection of portraits are currently being exhibited in Homerton Library. They are made up of referees from the Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth Football League and the Girls’ League.

Watch a video about some of the referees featured in the exhibition

Tom contacted Hackney Council’s Football Development Officer, Michael Cole, who put him in touch with the referees.

Michael explains: “Tom said that he wanted to put together a photoshoot championing referees. Referees can get a lot of abuse at grassroots football, and he wanted to bring to light their excellent work. 

“To a large degree, my work gets defined by what goes on the pitch. We have around 3,500 young people playing football matches in the Hackney Marshes Girls’ and Boys’ Saturday leagues. This is made possible by the network of referees we have – which is very diverse – and reflects the community.”

Malkeet continues: “I didn’t realise my portrait had won! My little brother, who works on the buses, was driving and saw my picture on an advertising screen at the bus stop – and he sent me a photo of it.

“I messaged Tom and Michael and they told me the pictures were also going up in Homerton Library. My family is so proud to see me represented in the Sikh and Punjabi community.

“The kids I teach can relate. When I tell them where I’m from, and my background, they relate. Don’t let where you come from be a disadvantage – use it to your advantage.”
The portraits are on display at Homerton Library.

Find out more about Hackney Marshes leagues.