Our eldest active Class 1 Referee and he tells me he never feels "old" that he'd better "hang up" his whistle! In fact Robbo (as he is known to his mates) now in his 76th year will always find the time to give you a yarn or give you advice on any refereeing issues that you have a question about.

Robbo was born in Liverpool (so you could call him a Scouse) while his parents (Irish Mother, British Father born in India) were in England on a trip from their normal home, the Indian subcontinent. This was during the time the subcontinent was an Colonial settlement ruled by the British Empire. The Robson family made their way back to Calcutta where Peter grew up passionate about his sport of cricket, football and hockey. His eye for the little white ball used in hockey and the use of the "curved stick" became his love and soon he was making heads turn with his skills and ability.

The handling over of Governance back to the "locals" back in 1947 and the subsequent dividing of the Indian subcontinent was the sign for Peter and his Father to make their way to Australia to start a new life. His passion for Hockey was still his desire and a couple of years later he was handed the NSW U21 Captaincy and the team became Runners-Up in the 1952 Australian Championships. Robbo later became a member of the Australian U21 Hockey team and this earned him a shot at representing Australia Kookaburras Hockey team for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, but missed out on final selection.

Of course Robbo continued to play Hockey and then sooner or later he married and started a family. Working for the Sydney County Council in the Energy Department (now Energy Australia) as an Electrical Engineer was Peter's job during the week but weekends you would always find him down the park.............from a early age Peter's sons played soccer. From 1967 Robbo coached and managed their teams for 10 years until 1977. The following year, now 47, not only did he coach the team but also played, with his sons in Forest Soccer/Football Club in division AL3..........and what a formidable team this was winning the comp in 1979. It was here that Robbo decided to referee some games (NO REFEREES!!) and to find out about the laws of the game. He passed his class 3 in 1978 and became a regular referee while still playing and coaching to 1984 when he decided to hang up his boots.....

Refereeing was his way to stay fit and healthy and still be able to watch his "boys" playing. Class 2 theory in 1987/88 (2 attempts) and Full Class 2 a year later. This spurred Robbo on to become a Full Class 1 referee in 1991 at the age of 60 (and this could still be the oldest successful Class 1 candidate).

Honours are MAA1 Final 1996, MPLR Final, MAA1R Final, MAA2 Final and numerous semis along the way. Robbo was honoured in 2006, Senior Referee of the Year....You can still see Robbo during the week doing School Games and of course on Saturdays in the MWFA comps. He is still very proud to be refereeing at his age and jokingly says, as long as I can park my zimmer frame or wheelchair conveniently to the field I will be continuing passed by 30th year refereeing.....

During his active career, Robbo has also been involved in Administration being on the Committee of the Forest Soccer/Football Club now of course Forest Killarney Football Club. He was vice-president 1979/80, Secretary/Registrar 1981/88 and now a life member. He also sat on the Manly Warringah Referees Association committee being the Asst Sec 1989/90, Treasurer 1991/92, Secretary 1993/96, President 1997/99, Theory Trainer 2000/05 and Registrar 2006 and now Life Member.

Robbo I'm sure over the years has many fond memories and admiration for many people for many reasons, but I asked him his most memorable occasion in football?.... was winning the AL3 with his 2 sons in the team in 1979, appointed to referee the MAA1 Grand Final in 1996 at the age of 65! His admirations in football?..no one can go passed the legend PELE an ICON on and off the park and John O'Neill a sports administrator who turned Union around in this Country and then turned Football around to what is is now today......Germany 2006 will be a legacy of O'Neill's time.........Keep it going Robbo and all the best for a great final on Sunday.

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