Young umpire Tim Whales has beaten his goal of taking charge of a national game in five years – he’s done it in one.

The 15-year-old, who took charge of an under-18 match at national level, said: “This sets me a new goal of more national and European matches and then the 2016 Olympics as a fully internationally-recognised umpire.”

Tim took up umpiring after a bad injury ruled him out of playing in goal.

“I ripped the muscle fibre in my arm and I could not play,” he said. “I love the game so much that umpiring seemed the best way to keep an active interest in the sport.”

The Chatham House Grammar School student has umpired more than 100 senior and junior matches including school games, home counties finals and the Kent Premiership adult series. He has also coached youngsters.

He has been observed by experienced umpires who rate him highly, including Chatham House teacher Andy Mair, who is qualified to oversee European, international and world ranking matches.

Tim, who is involved with the Cliftonville Hockey Club and who has umpired their senior games, said: “Hockey is a fast game. You really need eyes in the back of your head to see what is going on.”