Career
In 2015 Foy retired to become a senior referees" coach for the Professional Game Match Officials Board. Foy first started refereeing in 1983. In 1994 he was promoted to the Football League list of assistant referees and progressed to the Premier League assistant referees" list in 1995.
He made the step up to the role of referee in the Football League in 1996 and became a Premier League referee in 2001, his first appointment being a 0–0 draw between Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic in December 2001.
Earlier in that year Foy was appointed fourth official for the FA Trophy final at Villa Park, where Canvey Island defeated Forest Green Rovers 1–0. He was also fourth official during the international friendly match when England lost 2–1 to Italy at Elland Road in March 2002, and in May 2006 for the Football League Championship play-off between Leeds United and Watford, the latter winning 3–0.
Nine days after the Championship play-off he was fourth official again when England played Hungary at Old Trafford, the home team winning 3–1. Foy subsequently retired from international activities at the complusory age of 45 in 2007.
In 2007, he was selected to referee the FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium between Stevenage Borough and Kidderminster Harriers.
Foy refereed the 2009 Football League Cup Final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, with United securing victory on penalties after a goalless draw. He also took charge of the 2009 FA Community Shield later that year, contested by Chelsea and Manchester United, with Chelsea winning 4–1 on penalties after extra-time finished 2–2. Foy retired from professional refereeing at the end of the 2014-2015 season to become a senior referees" coach for the Professional Game Match Officials Board, working under Howard Webb.
As an Everton fan, Foy did not referee competitive games involving that club although he did take charge of an Everton away game at Aston Villa in 2002 before he had declared his interest in the team
Foy was actively involved in the "Don"t X The Lincolnshire" campaign to eradicate abusive or aggressive behaviour from players and spectators at junior and youth matches. He has also supported Knowsley Housing Trust"s "Give Rent Arrears the Red Card".