The Referees' Association is delighted to announce that Sunderland RA member Rebecca Welch has become the first female official to be appointed to referee an EFL game. Rebecca will officiate Harrogate Town's Sky Bet League Two home game with Port Vale on Easter Monday.

Having started refereeing in 2010, Rebecca has enjoyed a meteoric rise from grassroots football right through to the highest echelons of the elite game. As the top female referee in the country, Rebecca regularly referees in the Women's Super League and the National League, plus she is also an elite FIFA referee. This experienced official has also refereed some high-profile fixtures, including the Vitality Women's FA Cup Final in 2017 and 2020, as well as the Women's Community Shield last year.

The Referees' Association would like to congratulate Rebecca on her appointment and wish her well for the game."


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