The woman who refereed the Women’s FA Cup final earlier this month at Wembley Stadium in front of 45,000 people will soon be passing on her knowledge to match officials throughout the Football South region.

Fresh from taking control of that clash between Arsenal and Chelsea, Lindsey Robinson will soon touch down in Dunedin to begin a new role as Referee Development Manager for Football South.

She comes to New Zealand after being in a similar role for the Northumberland FA in England and has a decade of experience as a highly-respected match official in her homeland. Her ability was recognised recently when she was selected to officiate that ground-breaking FA Cup final, which drew a record crowd for the competition and was won 3-1 by Chelsea.

“The day was a great occasion, celebrated with my family in attendance,” Robinson says.

“As the women’s game is currently on the increase in terms of profile, participation numbers and recent international success, to officiate a fixture at the national stadium and in front of a record crowd was just breath-taking and a moment I will never forget.”

Formerly a player who represented Sunderland and Newcastle United, Robinson was always likely to gravitate towards football.

"Living in the north-east of England and having two older brothers and a twin sister, football was always something you were around or involved in,” she recalls.

“I took a referee course in 2008 to support my role at the time as a girls and women’s football development officer, thinking I already knew all the rules when in fact I had no clue about the Laws of the Game. With some great help from my local referee, mentor, and fellow referee family, the opportunities and support helped me get to where I currently am today.”

Robinson is looking forward to providing similar support to aspiring match officials across the Football South region. Her recent experience at Wembley shows the unique opportunities it can open up.

"It is not for everyone but, for those that are interested and would like to contribute to the game, this is a realistic avenue that can potentially open up many more doors for you. I believe there are many internal rewards and achievements from supporting the grassroots game,” she says.

“I love to be challenged and test myself, as well as working in a team. I enjoy and have a great passion for football and love to be in what can only be described as the best seat in the house." 

During a recent visit to New Zealand, Robinson was immediately drawn to the country.

“I visited the South Island in March and travelled around the island visiting the many tourist attractions. What’s not to love about the place?”

Robinson will begin her new role as Referee Development Manager at Football South in August.

Story courtesy of Football South