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From Premier League Kicks to the City Ground centre circle, Hally’s journey through Nottingham Forest Community Trust programmes shows just how far hard work and opportunity can go.

Starting out as a participant in school sessions and community football, he’s now taken charge of matches as a qualified referee, including a full 11-a-side fixture at the City Ground.

Hally’s involvement with Nottingham Forest Community Trust started while he was at school, taking part in the Premier League Inspires programme. Delivered locally by Nottingham Forest Community Trust in secondary schools across Nottinghamshire and nationally by other Club Community Organisations.

The initiative, funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund, helps young people aged 11–16 develop confidence, resilience, and life skills.

“It built my confidence loads,” Hally says. “It gave me opportunities, such as volunteering, that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

During the 2022/23 season, Hally was recognised for his commitment and progress by being named Nottingham Forest’s Premier League ‘One Of Our Own’ which was part of a national Premier League campaign celebrating individuals who have made a positive impact through club community programmes.

“It was very surprising,” he says. “It was good though. Very overwhelming and very surprising.”

Former club captain Joe Worrall visited Hally’s school to present him with the award in person.

“It didn’t feel real,” he recalls. “Like surreal. I didn’t know why he was here.”

Shortly after, Hally was invited to walk out at the City Ground and be recognised in front of thousands of supporters at half-time.

“It was amazing to be able to walk out in front of the fans,” he says. “A once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Following on from that, Hally became a regular at Premier League Kicks sessions. Kicks includes weekly community football sessions aimed at creating a safe and supportive environment for young people.

“Kicks had a very positive impact,” he explains. “They [NFCT coaches] helped me build confidence and also gave me time to myself and a chance to have a laugh with people I get on with.”

During one Kicks session, Hally took part in an anti-discrimination workshop involving former Forest defender Wes Morgan, Academy players, and content creators Rising Ballers, as part of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign.

He also started volunteering at Nottingham Forest Official Soccer Schools, supporting younger participants and building up his own coaching experience.

“I wanted a different opportunity and a new challenge,” he says. “I wanted to give back to the community and learn how to become a better coach.”

Alongside his coaching, Hally began working toward his refereeing badges. After qualifying, he started officiating local grassroots matches through the Nottinghamshire FA.

Earlier this year, he was invited to referee a Play on the Pitch fixture at the City Ground — a full 11-a-side match featuring staff and players from Ideagen, official partner of Nottingham Forest.

“The opportunity came about through the Notts FA getting in contact with us,” he says. “It was brilliant. As a Forest fan as well, to run around on a pitch that the players do every week was amazing.”

“I was very excited when I found out,” he adds. “Just very excited to be fair.”

Refereeing at a Premier League stadium came with added pressure.

“It was very challenging because as a ref it’s quite hard,” he says. “There were a few challenges during the game, a few shouting back at me which made me nervous, but I used my experience refereeing local matches to handle them.”

The difference in environment was also clear.

“It’s very different, very very different,” he says. “Going from a bobbly pitch that’s rolling my ankle to a nice carpet in a stadium that’s a lot bigger.”

When asked if the experience has given Hally even more motivation to continue progressing as a referee, he replied enthusiastically.

“Yes, definitely. To see the experiences that referees have when they step foot in the stadium made me want to push it even more.”