Female ref hoping to inspire others

REBECCA Welch hopes she can be an inspiration to other women after becoming the first female referee appointed to take charge of an EFL game.

The 37-year-old is set to take charge of the League Two clash between Harrogate and Port Vale on Easter Monday.

Welch has officiated seven National League games this season, but will create history by refereeing the match at the EnviroVent Stadium next week.

“Initially I wasn’t really aware of being appointed as the first female referee,” she said. “I was just given the appointment and I was over the moon but, when you reflect on it, you’re the first woman ever to do this, so I’m extremely proud and my family’s extremely proud as well.

“I do think it’s important to show that women who are in the top one per cent of their category can proceed to the next level, so it definitely makes others down the pyramid look up and know they can achieve the same.

“It shows that there is a real opportunity to young girls who are wondering to take the whistle or are already referees, they can aspire to be an EFL referee or like Sian Massey-Ellis operating in the Premier League.

“I’m really proud of it because In the last 10 years I’ve put a lot of hard work and commitment in and I’ve reaped the rewards from that by getting promoted.

“But I’d never seen myself as a trailblazer until the last year, where I’ve started to accept it because I think it’s important that people who are fortunate enough to be in my position or similar can show people that this can be done.”

Amy Fearn was the first woman to referee an EFL game as she came on as an injury replacement in the 2010 Championship game between Coventry and Nottingham Forest. But Welch is the first to be given a game from the off.