Derek has been involved in youth and adult local football, playing the game at County Intermediate level. He began his refereeing career in 1988, the highlight being a match official at the Surrey County FA Saturday Intermediate Cup Final between Chiddingfold FC and Seelec Delta FC in the millennium year.
He has been the Referee’s Secretary with the Surrey County Intermediate League, a position he held for eight years and is currently Vice Chairman of the League. Other positions held include helping to run football clubs and being a member of the Surrey County FA Council.