Frank Foster, a 93-year-old soccer referee, continues to officiate matches three times a week, attributing his remarkable stamina and longevity to a disciplined lifestyle that began with wartime rations.
Over his 46-year officiating career, Foster has overseen approximately 5,500 games. He credits his enduring fitness to healthy habits established in his youth, noting that the strict wartime rations he consumed as a teenager ensured he ate "healthy food" rather than "sweets and cakes."
His game-day preparation remains rooted in wholesome nutrition. Foster begins each match day with a bowl of oatmeal, cereal, or marmalade on toast to provide energy for the full ninety minutes. This routine allows him to maintain the physical capacity required for men's, women's, and children's games, a pursuit he shows no signs of abandoning.
Foster's sharp mind and authoritative presence on the field are as notable as his physical endurance. A former military veteran, he achieved a 98 percent score on his referee exam in 1980. He relies on old-school discipline to manage games, believing that modern elite officials can be too lenient with player antics.
To maintain order, Foster lays down strict ground rules before matches. He has little tolerance for intimidation or exaggerated dives, stating, "Those who go down like they have been shot, well I would just book them." He also enforces his authority when players attempt to surround him, warning them that any further movement will result in a yellow card. "You need to stamp your authority and let them know who is in control," he advised.
Foster eschews the modern trend of video reviews, which he feels create unnecessary "aggression and disappointment" over minor infractions. "I think it spoils the game," he said, referencing calls where only a player's toe might be offside.
Foster expressed that he "never thought" he would still be officiating at 93 but makes the most of his continued ability. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a neat appearance, ensuring his kit is freshly washed and his soccer boots are clean after every game in preparation for the next match.
