When referee Helen Conley takes charge of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup final on Saturday she will complete the domestic hat-trick, officiating in both the Women's FA Cup final and Barclays FAWSL previously.
The 34-year-old has been at the helm in the competition before, but never the final, and expects to see a game of the highest quality as Chelsea face five-time winners Arsenal at Nottingham Forrest's City Ground.
BUY TICKETSConley qualified back in 2004 and has been steadily rising through the ranks ever since, challenging herself to be the best but always prioritising the enjoyment in football.
Now she has been selected to marshal one of the biggest games of the season and we put a few questions to her to find out what life is like ahead of Saturday's final.
How does it feel to be taking charge of your first Conti Cup final?
I was thrilled to receive the phone call informing me of my appointment. Receiving any FA appointment is always huge honour, however a cup final is extra special.
It will be a great game played between two of the top women's teams in the country and also a great experience to have the opportunity to officiate at an EFL Championship ground.
How did you first get into refereeing?
I absolutely love football, but would never have been good enough to play at a high level.
I remember going to watch a County Cup final with my dad and being fixated on the assistant referee running up and down the line.
“I could do that," I declared. “Well, actually… you can," my dad replied, and it turns out he was right!
Refereeing is a great way of being involved in football, without actually playing.
Have you ever had a role model who you looked up to, or someone who has played a part in your success as an official?
Amy Fearn is the most senior female referee in England, having refereed at the top level for over 27 years, and has been one of the biggest influences in my career.
She has worked tirelessly to break down barriers and prove that women can be just as good as men when it comes to refereeing and has made the pathway much easier for new female referees coming through.
I was lucky enough to be appointed as an assistant referee to the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages in Slovenia, back in 2012 and Amy was the referee.
It was a fantastic and memorable experience and Amy and I have remained firm friends ever since.
What are the main benefits or enjoyments that you take from officiating?
It's difficult to describe the many highs and lows that you go through as a match official every season but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I’ve been lucky enough to officiate in eight different countries and experience different cultures, international teams and work with other match officials from across Europe.
Refereeing has helped my confidence and made me better equipped to deal with challenging situations in my everyday life. Furthermore, refereeing is a great way of keeping fit.
But the biggest thing I’ve taken from refereeing however, is friendship!
I have met some of the absolute best people through refereeing, people who will be friends for life. The camaraderie, confelicity and support received from fellow referees is second to none and I am really proud to be part of the refereeing family.
What would be your advice to anyone who is thinking of starting out?
If you’re thinking about doing your referee course, stop thinking – just do it!
There is no better time to be a referee with the immense level of support, guidance and opportunities available and if you have the dedication and desire, who knows where your refereeing journey might take you.
Are you inspired by Helen's story? Why not make your own way in refereeing on one of our courses?
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