Few families will remember the 2026 O’Neills Foyle Cup quite like the Burns family.
While thousands of players have been making memories on pitches across the north west father Davie Burns and his children Carly and Kyle have been creating some of their own with whistles in their hands rather than balls at their feet.
The trio not only spent the week officiating at one of the world’s leading youth football tournaments, but also shared the honour of refereeing two matches together – a moment that meant more than any of them imagined.
For Davie, who has spent 16 years as a referee and is now an assistant referee in the Northern Ireland Football League, it was a proud family milestone.
“Tuesday night’s game between Carndonagh and Limavady United was the first time all three of us officiated together and it was a brilliant experience,” he said.
“Carly and I had already done our first Women’s Premiership game together earlier this season, but this was the first time all three of us had the chance to be involved.
“When Kyle took up refereeing, I always hoped we’d get the opportunity to do a game together. I’m really grateful to the O’Neills Foyle Cup for making that possible and hopefully there will be plenty more to come.
“On Thursday night it was a bit of a role reversal because Carly was in the middle while Kyle and I were running the line. Mum came along to watch us as well, which made it even more special.”
Originally from Scotland, Davie continued his refereeing career after moving to Northern Ireland several years ago. It wasn’t long before his passion for officiating rubbed off on his children.
For Carly, refereeing became her route into football.
“I was a dancer, but after we moved over from Scotland I started taking more of an interest in football,” she said.
“I knew I wasn’t going to make it as a player, so refereeing became my way into the game. I’ve been doing it for four years now and I absolutely love it.”
Carly believes learning to manage key moments when as a referee criticism will naturally come is simply part of becoming a good referee.
“If it’s a coach, you manage it. If it’s spectators, you try to ignore it because there’s not much you can do,” said Carly.
“If you enjoy refereeing, all of that is worth it.”
This year’s tournament has brought together match officials from eight different countries, creating an environment where young referees can learn from one another while building friendships that extend well beyond tournament week.
Carly, who recently formed part of the officiating team for the Women’s Premiership League Cup Final between Cliftonville and Glentoran, hopes her own journey encourages more girls to consider picking up the whistle.
“Everyone keeps telling me the world is my oyster because of the opportunities in the women’s game,” she said.
“It feels like I’m getting more and more big games now, which is really exciting.
“If young girls feel there’s no pathway for them in football as players, there absolutely is one through refereeing.
“Don’t let the thought of criticism put you off. If you enjoy it, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
