Bradford soccer referee Graeme Atkins jetted off today for his first European assignment of the new season.

He will be assistant referee for the European Champions League third qualifying round first leg tie between FK Innsbruck and last year's beaten finalists Valencia in Austria where Leeds official Mike Riley will be taking charge of the match.

It is the first of a series of high-profile matches which the Bradford Council recreation officer will officiate at in coming weeks.

He will also be on the line for the UEFA Cup qualifying round second leg tie between FC Lokomotiv Tiblisi and SK Slovan Bratislava in Georgia on August 24.

And 48 hours after that he will return to London along with referee Steve Dunn to handle the big Premiership clash between West Ham and Manchester United at Upton Park.

Atkins, who is also officiating at the Nationwide League Division Two clash between Oldham and Port Vale this Saturday, is looking forward to the new season.

"It's certainly a busy start," said the official who was on the line for last season's FA Cup final between Chelsea and Aston Villa.

"I have got some attractive matches to start with and I am particularly looking forward to the European ties. Valencia were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid in this year's Champions League final so it will be interesting to see how they play in Austria."

Atkins has been stepping up his training in recent weeks after returning from his honeymoon in Scotland. "My wife Jeanette already knows how hectic it is being married to a referee," he joked.

The 40-year-old has to go through a series of rigid fitness checks throughout the season.

FIFA demand four checks, he also has to do two fitness assessments for the FA Premier League and one test for the National Review Board.

It requires officials to stay in good shape and Atkins said: "I have been fortunate that I haven't had any trouble with the tests so far but they are pretty stiff and demand that you do not allow your fitness level to drop."

As well as running the line in European, Premiership and Nationwide League games, Atkins referees in the Conference League.

He still has hopes of getting on the National Referees List and control Nationwide League and Premiership matches.