Official: Daisy's the world's youngest female football ref (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)

Official: Daisy's the world's youngest female football ref

11:10am Thursday 20th September 2012 in News

A 16-YEAR-OLD girl has spoken of her delight after being declared the world’s youngest female football referee.

Daisy Goldsmith became a qualified referee on her 14th birthday and her achievement has this week entered the Guinness World Records.

Daisy, of Puriton, told the Weekly News: “I’m really excited and it’s good to get publicity for young women referees.”

Daisy, who referees in men’s and women’s matches in several competitions, including the Taunton & District Saturday League, said many players and spectators are more surprised by her gender than her age.

She said: “People are more surprised that I’m a woman.

“As a referee you do get stick, but it’s good to have a hard stomach. Every match I go to is an experience, but whatever people say comes with the territory.

“I find a lot of it humorous.

“My family all encourage me when I’ve had a day that hasn’t been so pleasant. The Somerset FA’s fantastic, too.”

Sports-mad Daisy also plays football – for Bishops Lydeard Ladies – and coaches the game at her school, Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar.

She also enjoys netball, hockey and running.

She said: “I’d encourage other people to take up refereeing – I get a lot out of it.

“It’s such a good confidence builder and you build so many good social relationships.”

In recognition of her record-breaking status Daisy has received a certificate and will appear in the next edition of the annual Guinness publication.

Her entry in the book records that in her first match as a qualified referee she awarded a penalty against her own school team – Chilton Trinity Technology College in Bridgwater.