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History created by Female Officials Team

 

Three female match officials created SCEFL history this week when they all featured in Challenge Cup game.

Sutton Athletic hosted Tower Hamlets in the third round tie officiated by the all-female team of referee Beth Archer with assistants Alison Wade and Esther Perry.

Beth said: “It was an honour to lead out the first all-female referees team in SCEFL history and I hope that it helps to inspire more women to take up the whistle.”

League and Kent FA chair Denise Richmond, herself the only female chair at steps 1-6 in non-league football and the only lady chair of a county association in England, said: “Congratulations to Beth Archer, Alison Wade and Esther Perry for making history!

“At a time when county football associations are encouraging female participation across all aspects of the game, it’s very pleasing to be able to provide opportunities such as this.

“As a men’s Senior League competing in the National League System, we’re proud to play our part in supporting women in football in whatever capacity that might be.”

The tie went to extra-time with Division 1 Sutton Athletic defeating their Premier Division opponents 6-2, after the scores were level at 2-2 in 90 minutes.

The trio have received plenty of post-match praise on social media with Beth’s own tweet receiving over 1,600 likes and 100 retweets and featuring hundreds of positive comments.

Sutton Athletic said: “An excellent job by three very capable officials. Pleased we could be part of that history.”




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