Official Kicks: Lucy May

A first-person piece by Lucy May, a 22-year-old Portsmouth-based Level 4 referee who officiates in the Supply and Contributory Leagues as well as the FA Women’s Premier League and Super League. May got into refereeing at 14, running the line for her father at her brother’s weekend matches before being invited onto a course. She describes herself as fiercely competitive and says refereeing suits her because she cannot lose but can still progress. England against the USA was a proud first international, but working as an assistant referee at the 2011 Women’s FA Cup Final is her highlight. Dr Stewart Bruce-Low at Southampton Solent University provides her fitness programme, testing her every two months. She has been selected for the Dallas Cup and aims ultimately to become a FIFA referee.