UK’s oldest ref reveals strict life-style decisions key to allotting reds aged 91

Frank Foster, 91, has taken charge of more than 5,000 football games in 43 years and still runs around the pitch giving out red and yellow cards to players three times a week

At an inspiring 91 years young, Britain’s oldest football referee is showing no signs of hanging up his whistle, declaring “age is just a number”

Sheffield stalwart Frank Foster has been at the heart of over 5,000 matches for more than four decades and remains a fixture on the pitch three times a week. His longevity in the game sees him managing men’s, women’s, and kids’ fixtures for the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA in South Yorks.

Asserting his timelessness, Frank said: “Age is a number, you never think about it. You need to do what you can, while you can.”

Remaining true to his passion for the beautiful game, he insists: “Your body will tell you when to stop. I just love football and I think young.”

The great-granddad-of-four doesn’t dwell on his ‘twilight years’, instead focusing on creating unforgettable memories: “I don’t obsess that I’m in my twilight years, I never think about it like that.”

“I’ve got lovely memories from this and I’ve got more to come.”

Frank, hailing from Sheffield, South Yorks., had his footballing days with Bamford FC cut short by a knee injury in the early 1950s.

But that didn’t stop him; he soon switched to coaching and refereeing, acing his ref exam with flying colours – a whacking 98% with the Sheffield County FA in 1980. Having officiated games with stars such as England ace Tony Currie, he reminisces about his experiences, including those with ex-Sheffield Wednesday player John Quinn’s all-stars team.

Frank, a passionate Sheffield United supporter, shared his memories of officiating local football legends in charity matches: “There was ex-professional players from Chesterfield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday and they did charity matches.”

He fondly recalled one event involving Tony Currie: “One time, Tony Currie was there so I refereed him which I really enjoyed.”

When it comes to watching the beautiful game on the telly, Frank admitted he tends to focus on the officials more than the game itself, often finding himself at odds with their decisions: “When I watch football on the television, I’m watching the referee more than anything.”

He confided, “I disagree with them in a lot of cases.”

Despite having never imagined he’d still be handing out penalties years later, Frank attributed his longevity in the role to his robust health: “I never thought” he would still be dishing out red and yellow cards all these years later. His commitment to fitness has played a vital role, as he explained his routine in keeping active: “I’ve done five marathons before – I did four to raise money for a school and then somewhere in Whitby or Scarborough needed a new life boat, so I did one for them.”

Not just a one-off, he maintains regular exercise by saying, “I go on two walks a day in my local park – I go morning and afternoon to keep my legs going.”

The retired referee stands by his healthy lifestyle choices vehemently: “Being fit is a lifestyle, I don’t drink or smoke and I never have done.”

For more incredible stories from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters