Official Kicks — Marie Rowson & Stacey Ford

An Official Kicks page with two referees taking scholarships at the University of Gloucestershire, following Melissa Knock. Marie Rowson took up refereeing because her local clubs were looking for officials and has played since she was eight, still playing whenever possible; Stacey Ford came to it after a football injury and believes having played helps her understand players’ emotions and behaviour. Both officiate local club level men’s, women’s and under-11 to under-16 football. Ford values staying involved with the game, Rowson seeing it from a different perspective. Their scary moments run from Ford slipping in the centre circle in front of players and fans to Rowson’s assistant letting go of the flag and nearly hitting a spectator. Rowson’s ambition is to referee on the international women’s stage.