Howard's Way

As the World Cup is about to kick off, football-mad Peter White follows referee Howard Webb as he works with troubled teenagers.

On the eve of the World Cup, Peter follows England's only sure bet when it comes to making it through the qualifying stages, Howard Webb. A miner's son from Rotherham, he is one of the world's most respected referees, and already has taken charge of some of the most prestigious international matches around the world. But Howard is far more than just a ref; usually a reserved man, he gives Peter a rare insight into his other faces.

A policeman by profession, he still patrols the streets of his native South Yorkshire, but his involvement in his community goes far deeper. For some years now he has mentored troubled children in the area, using football and his reputation in the game as a way of giving them a sense of direction, and an understanding of how discipline can be used to get results.

He has set up clubs across schools in Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham. Over 700 children are involved – girls as well as boys – and as Howard sorts out the footballing prima donnas in Brazil, these youngsters will compete in their own championships back in Yorkshire. Howard is particularly proud to have brought together youngsters from Eastern Europe and Pakistan in a bid to ease tensions between the two groups. Youngsters who have been heading for trouble talk about the satisfaction they have been getting out of the game; one or two have even been catching the eye of local clubs as potential signings.

Presenter/ Peter White, Producer / Sue Mitchell for the BBC

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