Rebecca Welch has become the first female to be appointed to a match in the EFL. She is set to take charge of Easter Monday’s clash between Harrogate Town and Port Vale in League Two.
Welch has previously refereed in the National League in the mens’ game, while she has also taken charge of games in the Women’s Super League and in womens’ international matches.
Rebecca Welch to Referee Harrogate Town v Port Vale
‘Biggest Achievement’
Welch’s appointment to the League Two fixture is another big step for narrowing the gap between mens’ and womens’ football, and she expressed her excitement at taking the step and to have the opportunity to officiate in the EFL.
She said: “I was on my way back from a game and I got a phone call from Mike Jones (PGMOL National Group Director) and my initial response was ‘oh, what’ve I done!’
“But I’m really excited and this what I’ve been working towards and to be given this opportunity to work in the EFL is amazing for me.
“This is the biggest achievement of my career. I’ve refereed at Wembley in the 2017 women’s FA Cup Final, which will always be a top highlight. But it’s good to achieve things and refereeing in the EFL on Monday will be the greatest so far.”
Impressive Performances Behind Appointment
Welch is the highest-ranking female referee in English football and her selection for the game comes after review of her performances this season by referee heads Mike Riley and Mike Jones.
While not the first female to referee in the EFL (Amy Fearn took charge of the remaining 20 minutes in a Championship game between Coventry City and Nottingham Forest in 2010 due to injury), Welch is the first female to be appointed to a match.
Recently promoted to UEFA’s elite category of officials, Welch has refereed in the National League for the past three seasons while she has also been in charge for the Women’s FA Cup final previously.
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