The Senior Women’s Referee Development Day took place last month at St. George’s Park.

Over 30 top female referees from across the country operating on the Women’s Super League and Women’s Premier League gathered in Burton to take part in a range of workshops.

This included a fitness session run by PGMOL Sports Scientist Simon Breivik, as well as presentations led by FA Referees’ Committee Chairman David Elleray and Neale Barry, FA Head of Senior Referee Development.

Open discussion groups, fitness and the development of a clear progressive strategy for female refereeing at a senior level created the day’s framework.

Barry commented that the development day was particularly important for the ongoing training and progression for match officials operating on the Women’s Super League and Women’s Premier League.

He said: “An essential part of the day was the physical fitness session run by Simon Breivik who trains the Select Group Referees, which introduced a more professional way of assessing both the physical condition and body composition of the referees.

"Both David Elleray and myself were very encouraged by the performance of the referees both in the sprinting and aerobic sessions.”

Jane Simms, a referee from West Riding FA, added: “The whole experience was extremely positive and the opportunity to hold such an event at St. George’s Park was a huge incentive to progress.

“With the female game growing so rapidly, it is hugely important that as senior women officials we are challenged to raise standards to ensure progression both on and off the field.”

Natalie Walker, who refereed The FA Women’s Cup Final earlier this year, was also impressed and commented: “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to access the same support and advice as our senior male colleagues and highlighted the direction The FA want us to go in regards to professionalising women referees and their development.”

The number of qualified female referees registered is at an all time high, with the total number currently at 953.