Natalie Walker and Sian Massey give an account of their experiences in Japan earlier this year for the U20 Women’s World Cup 2012

Preparation for a FIFA tournament does not start with your selection and arrival at the destination. 

In the lead-up to the selection lists we had to attend a previous FIFA event, for example the Algarve Cup, and complete and submit monthly training logs and data.

We also have to check the extranet to analyse game situations and give our opinions on a weekly basis.

Once we had been through this vigorous process, we received a phone call from The FA to inform us that we had been selected for the tournament and we were, of course, delighted.  

We also had to undertake the FIFA fitness test in England before the selection was confirmed.

Departure for the World Cup was on 12 August and 20 hours later we arrived in a very hot and humid Japan.

Over the following week, and before the group stages began, we were involved in fitness assessments including speed, agility, coordination, flexibility, muscular and cardio vascular endurance. 

Also during that first week we discussed potential hot topics, tournament regulations and participated in practical off-side tests, whilst trying to adjust to the time difference of eight hours ahead of the UK. 

Training, both fitness and technical, is of vital importance during the tournament and every day, apart from match day, we trained. 

This ran from 8.30am through to midday and consisted of high intensity speed and extended speed and the technical training involved various match situations and decision making.

Almost a week after our arrival, the first appointments were announced and neither of us expected to receive a game so we were over the moon to find out that we would be working with Christine Baitinger (Gemany) in the opening game between Japan and Mexico in Miyagi. 

The game went well and we received positive feedback from both the assessor, instructors and in the debrief. 

The debrief consisted of many video clips of match situations to ensure that we thoroughly looked at decisions made in games - both positive and negative.

We then received our second match, almost a week later, which was the third group game between Korea and Brazil. It was a great match to be appointed to, as Korea needed at least a draw and Brazil had to win to progress to the quarter final stage. 

Once again the game went well for us and as a team, there were a number of tough decisions and in 30 degrees and 86 per cent humidity, it was hard work to remain focused and concentrated.
 
The quarter finals were then announced, with Natalie appointed to the quarter final as Reserve Assistant between Korea and USA.

On 1 September, the referees to be released were announced and we were disappointed to find out that we would be heading back home.

But out of the 42 officials appointed, only 19 were to remain with just four remaining from the UEFA confederation.

Overall, we are happy with the progress that we made over the tournament and the way in which we represented ourselves and The FA, receiving two fantastic appointments and positive feedback. 

We had a great three weeks in Japan and although very tough, it is a further step in the selection of referees for the Women's World Cup to be held in Canada 2015

Thanks for reading,

Natalie & Sian