All-female Final for Manx refs

The recent Sure Mobile Women’s FA Cup Final between Douglas Royal and Castletown created history in the Isle of Man, becoming the first Manx Football Cup Final to field an all-female officials team.

Jo Hicks, who has been a good role model for new female referees in the area, returned to the whistle after a number of years out through injury. Lauren Whelan and Sarah Kerford, both county representative players, carried out the roles of Assistant Referee. The two youngsters took their basic referees course last winter and have already been refereeing a number of open-age men’s and women’s fixtures.

The historic first is viewed as a great stepping stone for girls getting into refereeing and the Isle of Man Football Association has recently held a further Basic referees course, with a further four female referees now qualified.

Douglas Royal beat Castletown 5-2 at Laxey FC's Glen Road to claim a record fifth Women's Isle of Man FA Cup.