Welch first woman selected for EFL National Group list

REBECCA Welch has become the first female referee to be appointed to the English Football League’s National Group list for the men’s professional game.

Welch became the first woman to officiate an EFL match in April when she took charge of Harrogate’s 2-0 Sky Bet League Two defeat at home to Port Vale.

Her elevation comes as Australian Jarred Gillett prepares to become the first overseas referee to take charge of a Premier League fixture after being added to the list of top-flight officials.

Welch’s promotion to the National Group list, alongside fellow referees Simon Mather, Andrew Kitchen and Tom Reeves, has been confirmed by the EFL.

The EFL said: “Ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season, the Select Group 2 (SG2) and National Group Referees List has been confirmed to officiate across the Sky Bet EFL.

“Tom Bramall and John Busby will be joining the Select Group 2 pool of referees for the upcoming campaign, whilst Simon Mather, Rebecca Welch, Andrew Kitchen and Tom Reeves have earned promotion to the National Group list.”

The EFL added: “Rebecca Welch’s promotion makes her the first female referee appointee to the National Group list for the men’s professional game.”

Welch, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, made history at the age of 37 last season when she became the first woman to officiate an EFL match. In an impressive debut at Harrogate’s EnviroVent Stadium, her day went without major controversy, barring a contentious handball decision as she waved away Harrogate’s appeals for a firsthalf penalty.