PATRON PROFILE 

ANTHONY TAYLOR

Anthony Taylor was an elite Premier League referee who in February 2010 at the age of 31 officiated his first English Premier league match emerging to become a highly acclaimed FIFA referee across the globe. He announced his retirement from on field refereeing in July 2026. During his career he refereed 831 games, officiated at two world cups, two euros, two club world cups and also holds the distinction of becoming the first referee since 1901 to officiate in two FA Cup Finals in 2017 & 2020. He was appointed Director of Elite Refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation in August 2026.

Anthony became voluntarily involved with The No Way Trust whilst still a serving Prison Officer at HMP Styal in 2009. As a volunteer he assisted in presenting the Prison life workshop. As his refereeing career and reputation grew, Anthony eventually took the decision to leave the Prison Service to focus on his refereeing career. 

In his 17 years with The No Way Trust, he has contributed time as a generous volunteer, assisted with fund raising events, attended many functions and educational settings to promote our great charity’s cause.  Anthony’s unwavering and motivational endorsement as an esteemed Patron of our charity, substantially assists in promoting the values and need of the learning services we provide and in enhancing the national status of The No Way Trust.  We are and will forever be indebted for his visionary contributions.