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In March 2023, Lower Sixth pupil Rosie wrote an article for the School Newsletter about her experiences of being a female referee. As so much has happened since then, Rosie would like to share her experiences once again to hopefully encourage more girls to get involved.

The number of female referees in English football has increased by 72% since 2016, yet females still account for only 8% of referees in the game.

These are statistics I uncovered whilst undertaking my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Consequently, the Football Association (FA), through its Inspiring Positive Change strategy, has set ambitious targets for participation, with investment strategies looking to provide specialist development and coaching for females in the game. And I have been lucky enough to be a beneficiary of this.

In March 2023 I wrote an article for the School Newsletter about my experiences of being a female referee. As so much has happened since then, I’d like to share my experiences once again to hopefully encourage more girls to get involved.

In the 2023/24 football season, I refereed and lined upwards of 40 matches across both youth and adult games.  I have been involved in league matches, county cup matches, Isthmian Youth League U18s (which is synonymous with academy teams), official men’s and women’s FA Cup qualifiers and officiated at two Kent County Cup Finals at the Maidstone Gallagher Stadium in front of crowds of more than 500 people.

This has all contributed to me also gaining promotion in the men’s pathway, moving from Level 7 to 6 and in the women’s pathway, moving from Level 4W to 3W. Next season I’ll be a referee in the Women’s National League, and also eligible to assistant referee in the Championship! 

Most would think that refereeing is a lonely activity – the person in the middle of the pitch who can do no right when two teams of 11 players compete against each other, with coaches, parents and supporters shouting from the touchline.  But no, the referee community is absolutely amazing. People are wholly supportive of your journey as a referee.

Not long after I wrote my last article for the school newsletter, two things happened to me. One, I was invited to join the Kent FA Academy, where I am one of 5 females in a cohort of 30. As a result, since September I have been attending Canterbury Christ Church University once a month for a series of development evenings that have ranged from classroom-based learning, through to fitness and performance development.

The second thing to occur was that I was invited to join the FA’s Female Emerging Talent Programme (ETP). This has been amazing. My regional manager is an experienced Women’s Super League (WSL) official, as is my mentor. These ladies are so inspiring and have really helped me develop. In July we have our final session of the season, a weekend residential camp at Warwick University, which I’m really looking forward to.

Through the Kent Academy and the ETP, I have grown in confidence. The support and encouragement given to me is incredible. This has also extended to encouraging me to take on the next promotion pathway in the women’s game, to Level 2W (a Championship Referee and WSL assistant referee!). In fact, three weeks ago I attended a fitness assessment at Bromley Athletics Track and last week an assessment centre at Brunel University to be considered for this promotion pool to Level 2W. Personally, seeing the experience around me, I don’t expect to be selected this year, but it was flattering to be involved.

In conclusion, I know many girls at TWGGS play football. If you’re interested in football and keen on giving refereeing a go, come and speak to me; I’d love to help you to get involved.