Official Thompson set to reach landmark of 1,000 international matches

The 54-year-old has been appointed to officiate at the Beach Pro Tour Challenger event in Veracruz, Mexico between 1st and 5th October. 

“I'm very pleased to have received this nomination and I've never travelled to Mexico before,” said Greg, who now lives in Ontario, Canada. 

“In my career so far, I've refereed 996 international matches, so this event will enable me to reach 1000-plus, which will be a special personal milestone! 

“I'm also looking forward to meeting both old and new refereeing colleagues, so it'll definitely be another trip to put in the memory bank. 

“And although they are similar yet different disciplines - it'll be great preparation for me when I attend the international referees’ candidate course for the WPV Beach ParaVolley Tournament running 21-24 October 2025 in Mersin, Turkey.” 

Greg has been an FIVB beach referee since 2009 and has officiated at a number of major events, including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

He has been involved in volleyball for more than 30 years – and a referee for most of it – playing recreationally for his local club in Newbury before beginning his refereeing career in 1999 when he passed the Volleyball England Grade 4 theory course. 

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