Alan Burke

Failsworth-based Rugby League referee Alan Burke reached the very top of his trade by becoming an International official, taking charge of matches in Australia, France, and the USA as well as a host of top fixtures in the English league.

Alan took up the whistle when just 16 - at a time when it was comparatively unknown for someone so young to do so - but eventually moved through the ranks to become the second youngest referee to be appointed for matches at the top level.

He then spent 15 seasons taking charge of many high-quality matches including cup finals before injury brought his career to an end in 1999. Alan was also known for making himself available for all levels of matches and would often be seen taking charge of a school game one day and then a top-of-the-table professional encounter on the next.

Hence, he finished refereeing after being involved in over 2,500 fixtures. He then took on the role of coaching new up-and-coming officials, several of whom themselves eventually reached the top of the refereeing ladder.