From EFL to Premier League

Rebecca Welch, the trailblazing referee from County Durham, is set to make history once again as she becomes the Premier League's first ever female referee. Welch, who has been officiating since 2010, made headlines in April 2021 when she became the first woman to referee at EFL level. In January, she took it a step further by becoming the first female referee at Championship level. Now, she is ready to take on the top-flight action and hopes to be treated just like any other referee.

Players' Support

When Welch made her debut as the first female EFL ref, she was pleasantly surprised by the support she received from the players. She stated that they were still "chewing my ear off" as they went past, which made her feel normal and allowed her to focus on the game. Welch believes that constructive feedback from players is essential for her development as a referee.

Avoiding the Spotlight

Despite the attention she received during her historic EFL game, Welch does not seek the spotlight. She admitted that she was "sick of hearing the camera clicking" and considers it just a normal game. Welch understands the bigger picture and hopes to inspire the next generation of referees through her achievements.

Sam Allison Joins the Ranks

Rebecca Welch will not be alone in making history this December. Sam Allison has also been confirmed as the first black referee in the Premier League for 15 years. The ex-firefighter will oversee the match between Sheffield United and Luton on Boxing Day. PGMOL boss Howard Webb praised both Welch and Allison for their performances and recognized the significance of their appointments in terms of diversity and representation.

With these groundbreaking appointments, the Premier League is taking a step towards greater diversity in refereeing. Welch and Allison's success will serve as inspiration for under-represented communities and encourage more individuals to consider a career in refereeing. As the game continues to evolve, it is crucial to embrace the talent and potential that exists in all communities.