The 20th edition of the International Island Games kicks off in Orkney this weekend, with a team of Scottish FA officials involved in matches throughout the tournament.
The bi-yearly competition sees athletes gather from islands across the globe to compete in various disciplines from target to endurance events as well as team sports like football, basketball and volleyball.
The week-long tournament will see 28 officials take part in the games with 15 travelling north from the Scottish FA’s Score Referee Academy as well as 13 local Orcadian referees.
Recently promoted Category One referee Lewis Hogarth is heading to the games ahead of his first season in the SPFL: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be stepping into my first season as a Category One referee in the SPFL. It’s a proud moment, and I’m eager to take on the challenges and opportunities that come with officiating at this level.
“To have this opportunity at the Island Games before the season begins is a huge honour. To represent the Scottish FA this summer is really exciting and an incredible experience that I’m really looking forward to. It's a great time to be involved, and I can't wait to get started.”
Scottish FA’s Deputy Head of Referee Operations, Tom Murphy: “We’re delighted to be involved in this year’s iteration of the games and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our developing referees as well as local Orcadian referees to participate in an exciting tournament.
“The whole team are looking forward to a busy week which provides us with a great development opportunity as we continue our preparations ahead of the 2025/26 season.”
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