TAVISTOCK Specials co-founder Allen Lewis was in football heaven this week as he found himself at the new St George's Park national football centre near Burton upon Trent in Derbyshire.

Allen was there as one of 12 referees chosen to officiate at the venue for the North/South FA Cerebral Palsy leagues .

Allen told the Times: 'From the accomodation to the pitches and facilities, staff and great company to enjoy the experience was truly inspiring and amazing.

'I had the honour to referee the first under 16s' match, West Midland v North East on the replica Wembley pitch where the England squad train and play!

'The buzz of blasting my whistle on this ground to kick off a game with inspirational youngsters, who were so excited to play football on such a pitch, gave me goosebumps!

'Parents, spectators, coaches and officials from the FA cheered everything the players did and the standard of football was excellent.

'The whole experience, from sitting in a bar drinking a shandy three feet away from Martin O'Neil, the Sunderland manager, to the football photo murals that stretched down the corriders, the fantastic pitches named after England greats, changing into my kit in the Jack Taylor referees' room, was just brilliant.

'The biggest thrill was connecting with a young player who had cerebral palsy, was deaf and mute and see him smile when he gave a pass that led to the winning goal! This is what I drove over 500 miles for and that moment will stay with me forever!

'All I can say is I spent a weekend at a place footballers everywhere would think of as heaven!'