College Sport student shares Referee Journey with BBC

Our Sport student, Immy, took to the spotlight on BBC Radio Oxford for a live interview with presenter Adam Ball.

During her interview, Immy shared her recent experience at the Istra Cup in Croatia, and gave an insight into the rigorous training that she has gone through to become a referee and her plans for the future - starting with an Undergraduate degree at Oxford Brookes University.

Getting into refereeing

Having played football for a number of years for the Oxfordshire United County Team, Immy was first scouted for a refereeing programme at just 14. Whilst she loved playing the game, she quickly realised that refereeing would be the path for her.

Progression through the programme

Immy joined a referee programme for female only officials, and since joining she has gone onto receive two promotions for her talent this season. For men’s games, she is now a Senior County Official, and for women’s games she is now a Lineswoman in the Women’s Championship, as well as a referee for the Women’s National League next season.

Adventures in Croatia

Immy’s achievements were first shared following her trip to Croatia for the Istra Cup with the FA in May. The Istra Cup is an international tournament run by the UEFA for 15- to 19-year-olds, which Immy went onto referee for over 25 games.

Accompanying her brilliant achievements, she has also been selected from a pool of 300 referees to be among the 40 in the UK to advance from Level 3 to Level 2W, opening her up to new games at a higher qualifying level.

Reflecting on her time at Abingdon & Witney College, Immy shared the following:

“My course provides me with a lot of knowledge and skills on how to react to injuries on the pitch and how to look after myself physically too, as well as learning about preventative measures which I can use in my refereeing.

I’ve just got into Oxford Brookes University so I will start there in September, and I am going to be studying Sports and Exercise Science, so I’m really excited about that.

My plan is to hopefully make it to the premier league refereeing one day, and with the promotions I have managed to secure already, I hope that I am in with a strong chance!”

As she strives for the Euros and World Cup, we know this will likely not be the last we see or hear from Immy, who we wish all the best as her journey continues at Oxford Brookes.

If you would like to find out more about the Oxford United Advanced Football Programme and Sport courses offered at Abingdon & Witney College, please click the link below.