Referees and players standing for a pre match photo

Essex Match Official Appointed to an International Fixture

Lily has been appointed as one of the assistant referees in a Women’s U17 International Friendly between England and Germany

Essex Match Official Lily Priest has been appointed as one of the Assistant Referees in an international friendly between England and Germany Women’s U17s, that is taking place at St George’s Park.

Lily, who has been a referee for just two seasons, will be a part of the officiating team that will take charge of the fixture between England and Germany Women’s U17s. When asked how she felt about the appointment, she said “I was happy, proud and excited. I feel very lucky to have been selected.”

The game, being played at St George’s Park, is Lily’s first international appointment as a match official and she is thrilled to be a part of a historic fixture. “I am looking forward to officiating an international fixture especially one as iconic as England vs Germany, as well as visiting St George’s Park for the first time.”

Lily has demonstrated her ability as a referee and her professionalism throughout her officiating career and was rewarded last season with the opportunity to referee the Essex U14 Girls County Cup Final, a game that she will take experience from. “I try to learn and gain experience from every game that I officiate, whether I'm in the middle or on the line. I will carry over the experience of refereeing a highly competitive fixture and look forward to gaining more experience officiating on this game.”

Lily has also been recognised for her contributions nationally, being awarded with the Special Refereeing Recognition Award at the inaugural FA Referee Recognition Awards and wants to encourage people to take up the whistle. “A piece of advice I would give to anyone who wants to get into refereeing would be to just go for it and listen to what other referees tell you and learn from your mistakes and gain experience.”

“If you discover that you enjoy refereeing push yourself to go further and gain more experience through every game and be confident in yourself and your decisions.”

Congratulations to Lily once again on her appointment and we wish her the best of luck for the game at St George’s Park!