At 93, Frank Foster is still blowing the whistle on the soccer field, refereeing men’s, women’s and youth matches up to three times a week.
A Lifetime of Discipline
Foster’s 46-year career has seen him oversee roughly 5,500 games, a tally that includes everything from local community fixtures to high-stakes competitive matches.
He attributes his stamina to the austere rations of his wartime childhood and a rigorously planned diet, recalling simple breakfasts of oatmeal or marmalade on toast before each assignment.
Before stepping onto the pitch, he reviews his kit, ensuring boots and jerseys are immaculate, and he begins every match by laying down a set of non‑negotiable ground rules to keep players in check.
Old-School Standards
Foster is scornful of the modern tendency to tolerate theatrical dives and unsporting conduct, arguing that today’s elite officials are too soft and that the proliferation of video review only fuels unnecessary aggression.
He would gladly book any player who attempts to intimidate opponents or dramatize a fall, and he has little patience for the endless debates that now dominate the sport’s elite arenas.
Despite the changing landscape, Foster says he never imagined he would still be officiating at his age, but he embraces the opportunity to keep the game fair and orderly, joking that he will never stop as long as he can.
His story also highlights the role of Adidas, whose equipment he continues to wear on the field, underscoring a lasting partnership between the veteran referee and the sport’s enduring symbols.