NorfolkFA.com recently took some time to catch up with Steven Hemp, our Football Administrator (Competitions)...
NCFA Steve, how long have you been working at NCFA?
SH I have been in post since November 2009, so almost 8 months now.
NCFA What kind of things do you get up to doing your job?
SH My job title is Football Administrator (Competitions) and therefore the majority of what I do is Cup related. This involves several aspects, such as making sure that all teams have their player registrations with us in time, checking team sheets, updating scores to be published on our website all the way through to organising the County Cup Finals at the end of the season. We have also established the new Norfolk County FA Veterans League, for which I am Fixtures/Registrations Secretary, so I have been involved in assisting other members of the league management committee in getting the league up and running for the 2010-11 season.
NCFA What’s the best bit about working in football?
SH I think the answer is in the question. Football. Working in a football environment is something that very few people are able to do, so I am very privileged to have such an enjoyable job.
NCFA Do you follow a football team?
SH I do, I’m a Manchester United fan. I have been since the days of Eric Cantona and since his retirement from football I have stuck with The Red Devils.
NCFA Who’s your favourite player?
SH As a goalkeeper my favourite player was Peter Schmeichel, whose presence in between the posts was second to none. My favourite player at the moment has to be Leo Messi, the things he can do with a football are amazing.
NCFA Do you play the game?
SH I did do, as a goalkeeper for most of my playing days whilst at Shrublands, Gorleston Rangers Youth and Gorleston FC. However I am now going to referee games for a different challenge.
NCFA Have you been watching the World Cup? What’s your World Cup Dream Team XI?
SH I’ve watched most of the matches in the World Cup and those I have missed I have later watched the highlights (or low-lights in some cases). My World Cup Dream Team XI shows I prefer to watch the attacking style of football and am not too bothered about the defensive side of things. Sorenson (DEN), Caceres (PAR), Godin (URU), King (ENG), Demichelis (ARG), Kaka (BRA), Mascherano (ARG), Park Ji Sung (KOR), Villa (SPA), Fabiano (BRA), Messi (ARG).
NCFA Who do you reckon will win in South Africa?
SH As nice as it would be to say England, I just can’t see anyone overpowering Diego Maradona’s Argentina. The players are top quality and they really love playing for him, and I would tip them to go all the way.
NCFA What are your hobbies / do you enjoy doing outside of work?
SH I wish I had some interesting hobbies like Skydiving, however I am not that adventurous. Most of my free time outside of work is still football related through the form of refereeing.