Declan Rice 'DID ask about Man Utd', Cristiano Ronaldo return & Haaland latest, Messi PSG deal latest, Ten Hag favourite for Spurs, Stones EXCLUSIVE, De Bruyne and Mahrez inspire fightback to sink ten-man PSG, Nuno offered to Spurs as super-agent pushes Wolves boss as Mourinho replacement, ©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. “That took some getting used to but I am so grateful for the grassroots football experience because I never would have got to where I am now without it. The Washington-based … Sian Massey-Ellis, another trailblazer for women referees in the English game who holds the honour of being the first female to become a professional football referee, has been cited as an inspiration by Welch. [2][4][5][6] In December 2020 she was added to UEFA's elite women's list, joining other female football officials to referee at international games, including Stéphanie Frappart of France and Germany's Bibiana Steinhaus. View our online Press Pack. I’ve got faith in the system, and I’ve been rewarded.”. Rebecca Welch made history on Monday as she became the first woman to referee an EFL match in Port Vale's 2-0 win at Harrogate, with both sides' … And while the college football encounters involving teams of female students were a “doddle” her experience of refereeing men’s Sunday division fixtures was less straightforward. “Then the third game I did was Sunderland Sunday league football and it was a completely different kettle of fish. Welch eventually worked her way into the higher echelons of match officiating, becoming part of an elite group on Fifa’s international list. I've got to keep on performing, achieving those marks, to get those rewards. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. She also officiated at the 2020 FA Women's Community Shield. Rebecca Welch became the first female referee to officiate an English men’s professional league game on Monday, and the managers of the teams involved were full of praise for her performance. The 37-year-old became the first female referee to take charge of a full league … Harrogate [UK], March 30 (ANI): Referee Rebecca Welch on Tuesday become the first female referee to be appointed to an EFL match. And Welch remains open-minded on the challenge falling to her or another breaking through the glass ceiling. Welch will officiate Harrogate Town's match against Port … Reuters. Rebecca Welch became the first female referee appointed to take charge of an English Football League game this week. Rebecca Welch is the first female referee to be appointed to officiate an EFL match after she was put in charge of Harrogate’s fixture against Port Vale on Easter Monday. "I’ve been doing this for more than ten years now and I guarantee that the good days will far outweigh the bad ones in the long run.”, FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE. Welch told Sky Sports: "I've got no doubt, in the next ten to 15 years, we will see a female referee in the Premier League. Rebecca Welch is the highest-ranked female referee in England and hopes to take charge in the English Football League Life as a female referee can sometimes be daunting. Rebecca Welch has become the first female referee to be appointed to take charge of an English Football League game. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. She was in charge of Port Vale's 2-0 … Sian Massey’s efforts as a Prem assistant referee, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Welch, who took charge of the 2020 Women’s Community Shield duel which saw Chelsea beat Man City, wants to be considered for selection for the 2022 Euros and 2023 World Cup. The highest … Rebecca started her career in her early 20s and initially wanted to be a footballer. [3], During her career as a referee she has officiated at games in the Women's Super League, and was referee at the 2017 and 2020 Women's FA Cup Finals. For other inquiries, Contact Us. [1] The announcement made Welch the first woman to be appointed to referee an English Football League game, though not the first woman to referee during a game. Challenges yet rebecca started her career licence to reproduce material, visit Syndication... Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy those... The glass ceiling early 20s and initially wanted to be in-charge of officiating an entire match! 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