Women in Refereeing

Championing female officials on the global stage.

Referee Abroad believes football thrives when every voice, talent and perspective is welcomed onto the pitch, Women’s refereeing is growing faster than ever, and we’re proud to be part of that movement – giving female officials the chance to develop, gain international experience, and be part of a truly global referee community.

Whether you’re just starting your refereeing journey of already officiating at national level, we’ll support your next step with expert mentoring, world-class tournaments, and opportunities to connect with other women in the game.

Opportunities for Female referees

International Tournaments

From youth festivals to elite competitions, we host referees from over 50 countries — with strong representation from women each year.

Mentorship & Development

Get guidance from experienced female officials and FIFA-level referees who understand the journey — on and off the field.

Networking & Community

Connect with female referees from around the world, share knowledge and experiences, and build lifelong friendships

Partnering to Grow Women’s Refereeing Worldwide

From the Italian FA and English FA’s Women’s Pathway to our link with the Girls Academy via US Officials, we work with leading federations and leagues to give female referees more opportunities than ever. These partnerships send a growing number of talented women to our events, create international exchanges between Europe and North America, and provide priority placements with world-class feedback from elite-level observers — helping women thrive on the pitch and take the next step in their careers.

Our Mission in Numbers

15%+ Women

So far in 2025, Referee Abroad has welcomed more female referees than ever before — 76 women taking charge of matches across our international youth tournaments.

Shining on the Biggest Stages

Women have been at the heart of nearly every major event we’ve hosted this year, from sunny pitches in Portugal to world-class venues in Sweden. A standout moment came at the GA Champions Cup where every single match was officiated exclusively by women, showcasing the very best of female officiating talent.

Our Commitment to the Future

We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but this is just the beginning. Like the European Union’s vision of “an ever closer union,” we are committed to an ever greater presence of women in refereeing — opening more doors, creating more pathways, and working towards a future where balance and opportunity are the norm.

Our female mentors and observers

Guiding the Next Generation

Behind every great referee is someone who has guided, challenged and inspired them to reach higher. At Referee Abroad, our female mentors and observers play a vital role in helping referees build confidence, sharpen their skills and step into the international game.

In the picture: Portuguese observer Eunice Mortagua, an early supporter of RA’s women initiative.

Referee Abroad Women's Award

Pioneers in Refereeing Award

Each year, Referee Abroad celebrates the achievements of a female referee who was inspiredothers, excelled on the field, and represented the very best of our international community.

In the picture: an all-female final crew at the IberCup Estoril.