Former Category 1 Scottish Football Referee & Co-host of ‘The Ref’s View’ Podcast

Des Roache is a former Scottish FA football referee and ex Category 1 official, recognised for his rapid rise through the ranks of Scottish football. Now a respected voice in officiating media, Des co-hosts ‘The Ref’s View’ podcast as part of the SM Media Entertainment group, where he provides expert insight into refereeing decisions and the modern game. Before his officiating career, Des was a highly accomplished athlete, ranked UK number one, third in Europe and ninth in the world at 1500m as an under-20. His elite sporting background and unique transition into refereeing position him as a compelling and credible speaker.

Des began his career as a full-time middle-distance runner, competing at an elite level and earning sponsorship from major brands including Adidas and Asics. However, his promising athletics career was cut short at just 23 due to persistent knee injuries. Following this setback, Des turned to football, initially playing at amateur level before injury again forced a change in direction. He undertook a refereeing course with no long-term ambition, but quickly demonstrated natural aptitude. Within just four years, Des progressed from grassroots officiating to senior football, ultimately achieving Category 1 referee status within the Scottish FA system. Across his career, he officiated matches at every level of the Scottish game, from the SPFL Premiership to the West of Scotland Juniors, and was also involved in UEFA fixtures.

Alongside his on-field achievements, Des has built a growing media presence. As co-host of ‘The Ref’s View’, he delivers informed analysis on refereeing standards, decision-making and the pressures officials face in modern football. He is also a regular contributor to ‘Get Involved Referee!’, further establishing his authority within officiating circles. His journey from elite athlete to top-level referee, combined with his media work, highlights a career defined by adaptability, resilience and high performance across disciplines.

Des brings a distinctive perspective shaped by competing and officiating at elite levels. His experiences navigating career-ending injury, transitioning between professions and succeeding in high-pressure environments offer valuable lessons for a wide range of audiences. Whether discussing performance mindset, resilience or decision-making under scrutiny, Des delivers practical insight grounded in real-world experience.

Why Hire Des Roache?

Des is hired as a speaker for his rare dual perspective as both an elite athlete and top-level football referee, offering audiences a nuanced understanding of performance under pressure. Drawing on his journey from global athletics rankings to officiating in the Scottish Premiership and UEFA fixtures, he shares powerful lessons on resilience, adaptability and mental strength. As co-host of ‘The Ref’s View’ podcast and a regular on ‘Get Involved Referee!’ podcast, Des is an engaging communicator who translates complex decision-making into accessible, actionable insight for businesses, leaders and teams.