Rebecca Welch delivered refereeing workshops with a CITC City Inspires mixed gender groups and a girls-only group too. As well as delivering the session, Rebecca also spent time providing the students with invaluable insight into the world of professional refereeing and outlining the avenues available should students wish to get involved in refereeing.
The students were delighted to take part in the sessions, as well as spend time with such a high profile and successful member of the refereeing and football community. Indeed, Rebecca’s advice, insight and experience could well prove invaluable with some students looking to undertake the ‘FA Referees’ qualification towards the end of the academic year!
The students were effusive in their praise and enjoyment of the sessions. Charlotte, a participant at the workshops said, “Rebecca Welch was very inspirational and showed me what it is like to be a referee and the intense training to be a referee.”
Baveeshan added, “I found Rebecca Welch’s Workshop very inspiring and interesting. It shows how with work and effort you can achieve a lot and perform at the highest level.”
Michelle Facchinello, a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Falinge concluded, “Having Rebecca come in and deliver was a great experience for our Inspires students.
“It allowed them to see first-hand what is like to be a professional referee and increased their level of respect for all referees as they experienced just how challenging the role can be. Many of our students are now hoping to qualify as ‘FA Referees’ in the very near future.
“A huge thank you to Rebecca and the City Inspires team for providing the students with this opportunity!”
Rebecca herself said, “I had a very enjoyable and wet two days spent with the staff and pupils of Falinge Park school. The participation from the pupils was brilliant across the two sessions and I’m sure we have some future referees in the making.”
Let’s hope so Rebecca!
Rebecca, who was the very first female to be appointed to referee an English Football League match, is a UEFA Elite referee, and has refereed in the Women’s Super League, as well as at two Women’s FA Cup Finals.
CitC are recruiting new schools to get involved in the City Inspires programme!
Partnered with the Premier League, City Inspires uses the appeal of Manchester City Football Club and the Premier League to work with groups of secondary school learners.
The City Inspires programme involves City in the Community coaches delivering a high-quality education curriculum that inspires students to succeed and excel academically, socially, mentally and physically. The programme provides a platform for pupils to learn essential life skills with a focus on improving their overall engagement in education, motivation towards learning and mental and physical well-being.
To discover more about City Inspires, why not check out our new City Inspires programme video, or contact CITC Secondary Education Officer Jonathan Pauley for additional information.
