Gordon Hill bursary fund
The family of former football referee Gordon Hill have set up a bursary in his memory – with donations to be used for the purpose of breaking down barriers to participation in sport and physical activity.
Originally from Bolton, Gordon was a primary school teacher and also sang with the renowned Rossendale Male Voice Choir. He went on to become became a professional football referee in both the English Football Association and North American Soccer League.
In March 1970 Gordon took charge of the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Watford at White Hart Lane. 1974–75 was his final season and was marked by his most senior match – the League Cup Final between Aston Villa and Norwich City at Wembley in 1975. Shortly after, he reached the retirement age (then 47) for referees.
In the 1970s and 1980s he helped in the development of soccer in the USA through his involvement with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Umbro International. In the later years of his life, he became an accomplished artist and moved to Exeter.
Exeter City Community Trust is extremely grateful to Gordon’s family for setting up this bursary and will use any funds donated in his memory for the development of programmes which support people to participate in sport and activity, especially young people who love football but can’t afford the cost to participate.
Gordon had a lifelong interest in art. He continued to paint and draw every day until his passing, you can view some of his work HERE.
