Photo credit: www.bbc.com

Welch Reflects on Refereeing Journey and Future of Women’s Football

Welch has made a significant impact in the realm of women’s football, having officiated at prestigious events such as the Women’s FA Cup and Champions League finals. Her career highlights also include refereeing during the 2022 Women’s European Championship, where the Lionesses emerged victorious on home turf.

Among all her experiences, Welch cites officiating at Wembley Stadium for the first time as one of her most cherished moments. She expressed how the inclusion of the Women’s FA Cup final at this iconic venue marks an important milestone for the sport.

“The Women’s FA Cup final had only just started being played there, which is where it should be held,” Welch remarked. “That was a special moment, and it will always stand out as a proud accomplishment for me. However, there have been many highlights throughout my journey. I feel that I have developed my career in tandem with the Women’s Super League (WSL).”

Being involved from the beginning of the WSL’s establishment, Welch sees her growth as intertwined with the league’s evolution. “We must continue to keep pace with the WSL’s progress, and as officials, we need to be present in that development,” she emphasized.

Currently, referees in the WSL operate on a part-time basis, a situation Welch believes warrants further discussion with the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL). “That is something I think will happen in the future. The league has been full-time for several years, but the referees are still missing that full-time aspect,” she noted. “We will engage in discussions and see how we can advance from here.”

Welch’s recent decision to step back from refereeing came as a surprise to some, although she admits it had been a consideration for several months. “I had reached some notable venues and events, including Wembley, the Euros, and a World Cup while also officiating in the Premier League,” she explained. “I always wanted to retire at the peak of my career, and I thought finishing at a major tournament, like the Olympic Games, would be fitting.”

Welch is also excited about her new role with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which aligns with her desire to remain involved in the ongoing development of both the WSL and the Women’s Championship. “This opportunity allows me to contribute to the growth of the game from a different perspective, and I look forward to what the future holds,” she concluded.

Source
www.bbc.com