Progressing to Pro

A number of professional players and referees began their careers in the Wakefield & District Sunday Football League.

Most recently Shepherds Arms forward Ollie Johnson turned professional with a move to Stockport County followed by a career-enhancing switch to Championship outfit Norwich City. After winning the League One title with Norwich, Ollie still found time to catch up with his former team-mates at our Premier Division Cup Final at College Grove this year.

Premiership referee Martin Atkinson officiated in the Wakefield Sunday League. Before taking the field at Old Trafford and Anfield he was the whistleman at grounds such as Thornes Park and Empire Stores.

Following in Mr. Atkinson's footsteps are former Sunday League referees, the Madley brothers - Andy and Bobby - who have enjoyed a meteoric rise up the professional league ladders and now find themselves turning down European Fixtures in order to concentrate on achieving a Premier League centre appointment.

Read Andy's EXCLUSIVE! interview in our news section now!

Best wishes to all our former members and good luck for the future.