Society life member, Ken Wright, is now officially a record breaker!
Last Saturday, 8th June 2026, Ken was presented with a certificate and medal to formally confirm his entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-serving referee in the world - with an amazing 62 years of continuous service to the game.
A phenomenal achievement which will surely never be beaten!
Ken started refereeing when he was 15yrs. old and season 2026-27 marks his 63rd season - a phenomenal achievement that has earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. In the intervening period, he has officiated over 5,000 games.
He decided to take up refereeing after playing school/youth football but he realised that he was not good enough to play the game, so opted for the whistle instead!
Ken recalls his 1st match, in Div.6 of the Swansea Senior League: Glantawe v South.Gower at Cefn Coed Hospital, 13-4, which included nine allegedly offside/disputed goals and it was a complete disaster. Caught a bus to Cocket Inn and had to walk a mile to ground through pouring rain and changed in toilets. It was an experience he will never forget.
Ken, has been a member of the Swansea Referees Society for 62yrs. and was Treasurer for many years.
Ken was also an FAW Referees Instructor for a number of seasons.
Ken says that his remaining ambitions are limited as he as just about achieved all he can possibly achieve. However, he would like to complete another season or two or "For a long as my legs will allow me to"
Some of Ken’s great memories are when he managed the societies 5a side team in the mid 70's when they reached the national finals at Keele University. The squad was, Bob Waygood, John Holohan, Alan Tucker, Clive Hayward, Dave Williams, John Beynon, Mike Curnock and Mike Cadmore
They beat previously unbeatable Rhondda in Welsh Round, went to Torquay to win Wales and West of England Section and came 4th in Keele.
Ken also played /managed very successful 11a side team at same time and had a number of great seasons with trips to Weston, Maidenhead and Bromsgrove and 2 Charity matches at Stebonheath Park and Vetch Field. Latter one had all professional players with 8 internationals and the great Barry John and Gareth Edwards had the honour of being on the same pitch as Ken.
Ken has refereed in Swansea Junior, Swansea Senior, South Wales Amateur, Central Wales, Welsh league, Football Combination and Assistant Referee in League Of Wales and Conference. Also for WWFA and FAW.
Cup Honours - Finals
FAW - Inter-Area
Welsh League-Intermediate, Youth and Reserve
WWFA - Senior, Intermediate, Youth, U12 and U13
Senior League-Virtually all of them
Junior League- Virtually all of them
Main Highlights
Assistant Referee - Swansea City v Manchester Utd.
Swansea City v Real Sociadad (N.Stevenson Testimonial)
4th Official at 3 European Cup Ties
Refereed Swansea City against Man.City,Luton,Southampton and Aldershot in Toshack era,and Swansea City v Hamilton at Liberty Stadium.
Kens first Football Combination Match as a referee: Swansea City v Ipswich
Ken has officiated at, White Hart Lane, Stamford Bridge, Upton Park and Highbury in London and numerous football league grounds.
Ken recalls his first 1st visit to Highbury. (photo below)
I "conned" the secretary of the Football Combination into believing that myself and another referee were running in the London marathon on the Sunday and we would be in London on the Saturday and would only charge £2 expenses if we were given a match in London. Fortunately the secretary did not know of the normal physical condition of the other official who did not run 26 miles in a season never mind in one morning”.
NB Fellow referees may recognise the other "marathon runner" from the the above photo. (A clue; it wasn't Eleri!!)
Above pic: Ken receive his 50 year award from then WWFA Scretary, Bob Waygood