Foster will work as an assistant referee as reigning champions The New Saints take on Aberystwyth Town on Sunday 14th August, following in the footsteps of Karen Williams first achieved this recognition back in 2006. (She was sadly seriously injured in the League of Wales match between Caernarfon v Rhyl, in October of that year.)
In January 2016, Foster became the second Welsh female match official to be appointed to FIFA’s international list. Foster has gone on to referee two Elite round matches at the UEFA European Women’s U-17 Championship in Italy and earlier this year she officiated the FAW Women’s Cup Final between Cardiff City FC and MBi Llandudno.
Looking ahead to tomorrows match, Foster commented: “This makes me very proud and very excited for the start of the season. I hope this sets a benchmark for other female officials and that I will be first of many in the future.
“I became a FIFA referee in January 2016. I took part in the Introductory course in Cyprus with Pierluigi Collina in the February and then had my first international tournament in Italy in May as the Fourth Official but this [WPL] is one of my highest achievements. Obviously getting the FIFA badge in January was amazing and officiating in an international tournament but getting to the top of the ladder in the men’s football league in Wales is a particular proud moment.
“I think that if football is your passion and you still want to be part of the game then refereeing is the next best thing. Being on the pitch, kicking every ball in your mind and still getting that buzz from 90 minutes of football.
“I’m nervous of course, but I see this as a positive. I want to do well and I’ll make sure I give my best in every game I officiate this season.”
Source / photo – faw.cymru
