New appointment keen to support aspiring referees
LESS than a month ago, Lindsey Robinson was in the middle of one of women’s football’s biggest games.
Now she is set to take up Football South’s referee development officer role in August.
From northeast England, Robinson has officiated for the past 10 years and previously played for Sunderland and Newcastle United.
Earlier this month, she held the whistle for the women’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Wembley in front of 45,000 people.
That followed being an assistant referee in the same fixture in 2014 and 2016.
It may seem a world away from New Zealand.
However, a trip down under proved key in luring her to the South.
‘‘I visited the South Island in March, and travelled around the island visiting the many tourist attractions,’’ she said in a statement.
‘‘What’s not to love about the place?’’
Having received plenty of support through her development as a referee, she was hoping to do the same for aspiring referees in the southern federation.
‘‘It is not for everyone, but for those that are interested and would like to contribute to the game, this is a realistic avenue that can potentially open up many more doors for you.
‘‘I believe there are many internal rewards and achievements from supporting the grassroots game. I love to be challenged and test myself as well as working in a team.
‘‘I enjoy and have a great passion for football and love to be in what can only be described as the best seat in the house.’’
Those aspiring referees would be learning from someone who had well and truly been there, done that.
The FA Cup final had been an unforgettable moment for her.
‘‘The day was a great occasion, celebrated with my family in attendance.
‘‘As the women’s game is currently on the increase in terms of profile, participation num bers and recent international success, to officiate a fixture at the national stadium and in front of a record crowd was just breathtaking and a moment I will never forget.’’
Her partner has been living in Wanaka since earlier this year and Robinson will be based in Wanaka.