Four members of the Armed Forces will take charge of the upcoming Barclays Women’s Super League fixture between Everton and Chelsea on Sunday 12 November over Remembrance Weekend.
The quartet comprise of referee Lauren Impey [RAF, pictured above], assistant referees Levi Gray and Gareth Dunn [both Army] and fourth official Adewunmi Soneye [Ex-Navy, pictured below].
This is a landmark moment for the Barclays WSL, with this being the first time that any fixture in the women’s game has featured an officials team consisting entirely of former or current Armed Forces personnel.
Chair UKAF Sports Board, Air Commodore Rich Fogden, said: “This opportunity highlights how our people can be developed through sport, to the highest level, as part of their service in the military. For the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force to be represented at this match on Remembrance Sunday is particularly special for all who serve or have served and reminds us of the importance of the links we must maintain with the wider community.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 02: Referee, Adewunmi Soneye looks on during the Barclays FA Women’s Championship match between Birmingham City and Southampton FC at St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium on April 02, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, added: “We’re extremely proud of our match officials who are able to combine the service they give to the game with the service they give to their country as members of the Armed Forces.
“It is fitting they will be working together as a team over Remembrance Weekend. We wish them well for the fixture and thank them for their service.”
The FA’s director of professional game relations, Andy Ambler, added: “We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to represent the hardworking servicewomen and men of our country across such a poignant weekend. Everybody at the FA wishes them all well for the game.”
