Carlisle Leisure Leagues referee, Anthony Backhouse, completed a remarkable journey last week when he stepped out at the O2 Arena in London to officiate the Star sixes Tournament.

Anthony had only been refereeing for us for seven weeks, having signed up just as the league in Carlisle kicked off, but has impressed everyone so much that he was chosen to be one of the representatives of Leisure Leagues at the prestigious event.

Backhouse admitted he could barely believe the whirlwind rise: “I only started refereeing for Leisure Leagues not too long ago when they started a league in Carlisle. I never thought I’d be doing something like this, which is fantastic!”

Leisure Leagues are always quick to recognise the top talent we have and fast-track the best, and the proud ref was quick to recognise this: “I’ve been reffing for Leisure Leagues for just few games every week and its led to coming to the O2 and refereeing some of the world’s greatest players.”

A France team led by Marcel Desailly won the tournament, beating Denmark in the final. Other top stars including Roberto Carlos (pictured with Anthony) Juninho, Italian legends  Paolo Di Canio and Allesandro Del Piero and Spanish greats like Carlos Puyol lined up against English talent like Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen in four days of wonderful football.