Serving the Game –
Kenny Martin’s Nomination for
Referee of the Year

RAF Football referee Sgt Kenny Martin has been nominated for Scottish Lower League Referee of the Year 2026, a recognition that honours excellence across grassroots and lower league football in Scotland and celebrates officials who demonstrate leadership and consistency throughout the season.

The ‘A Dad His Lad and His Lad’ Lower Leagues of Scottish Football Awards acknowledges those who keep Scottish lower league football alive, and in 2026, the event will be held in aid of Chris’s House, a charitable centre of help, response and intervention surrounding suicide with 24-hour crisis support for those in distress.

The chosen charity this year serves as a powerful reminder of how grassroots sport fosters connection and community whilst supporting mental wellbeing in more ways than one.

Following his proud nomination, we spoke to Kenny about balancing military service with regular fixtures, support behind the scenes, and his advice to other personnel who want to benefit from sport in the RAF.

“I started to kick a ball around at the young age of five and represented my school throughout my educational years. As I got older, I joined a local boys club and got my first experience of playing football abroad at eleven in a European competition in France. Age fifteen, I went on to play local men’s football, and by the time I was sixteen, I had been awarded ‘Young Player of the Year’ and ‘Player of the Year’ in the same season – the first player to ever achieve holding both awards at the same time.

I joined the RAF in 2003 and quickly got involved in football at Station level, playing league and cup games for RAF Waddington, RAF Coningsby, RAF Benson and RAF Halton, as well as European competitions throughout my career.

Following a few successful years of play, I decided to expand my relationship with the game and complete my FA Coaching Level 1 Certificate, which led to coaching a local youth team from 2008.

Fifteen years later, and after succumbing to a few injuries, I eventually hung up my football boots in 2023. However, I wasn’t ready to step back from the game entirely, so I picked up a whistle as I wanted to remain involved on the pitch, and refereeing gave me the opportunity to do so.”

Now based at RAF Lossiemouth, Kenny joined the Moray & Banff Refereeing Association and has since earned a double promotion to SFA Category 4, regularly refereeing in the North of Scotland Football League alongside assistant referee duties in the Scottish Highland Football League.

A familiar face at lower league matches, Kenny has built a strong reputation for fairness and clear decision-making in challenging situations. Together with his longstanding commitment to the game, Kenny is known for his composure and has earned praise from players, coaches and fellow officials.

“The most rewarding part is giving back to local communities and ensuring lower league football has qualified refereeing teams to facilitate the game.

Football harnesses all the attributes that we strive to have within our professional lives as RAF personnel, effective communication, quick decision-making, team cohesion, leadership and discipline. The sport ensures that I keep fit both physically and mentally and has been a great source of enjoyment throughout the years, both as a player and an official.

I have been lucky enough to experience various opportunities through football and have explored the game played in other parts of Europe and across the UK.

Charitable support through the RAF Central Fund has provided me with the financial assistance to ensure I am kitted out with high-quality equipment. I have been able to uphold and maintain a professional stance whilst refereeing, which in turn breeds confidence within myself, and more importantly, everyone involved in the wider football community views you as someone who is fit for the game at all levels.

Beyond being a player on the pitch, there are so many vital supporting roles that help make us better service personnel. Coaching allows for leadership development, whilst refereeing requires deep understanding and reasoning, upholding the rules of the game and ensuring they are adhered to.

For those considering getting involved in sport, do not delay; the opportunities available in the RAF are vast. Football gives you a sense of belonging, through the relationship with your teammates, to growing into new roles as you progress.”

Grassroots football provides more than competition at beginner level, it builds belonging, purpose and connection.

If you’re serving in the RAF, consider getting involved in your station sports club or explore opportunities within the RAF Football Association, regardless of your current ability.

Voting remains open until 01 April 2026 ahead of the awards later this year, support one of our own by voting for Kenny as Scottish Lower League Referee of the Year 2026 at: https://surveys.sunbeam.cx/surveys/j7DfRey7