Natalie Aspinall was told she wouldn't be able to become the third female assistant referee in the premier league.
The 40-year-old will be in charge of the game.
Aspinall is following in the footsteps of two other women.
"I didn't want someone to tell me that I couldn't do it because of who I was," Aspinall said.
It's something I'm incredibly proud of when you work hard for a long time for something and finally get it.
Aspinall has been in the top flight for six years.
She has worked at three women's FA Cup finals and two women's World Cup tournaments.
I was told I couldn't be involved in professional football if I wanted to try and get to the premier league. It's something I've worked hard to achieve.
"I don't feel like I'm an inspiration - I just feel like I'm doing what I'm doing, but I hope that by me doing this it makes it easier for, not just female refs, but any refs to come through the pathway and achieve
When she was a child, Aspinall was told by her father that she could earn more if she worked on a Sunday.
She hopes that becoming a premier league official will encourage her daughters to follow their dreams.
She said that her four-year-old daughter understands that her mother does football but doesn't understand the roles of it.
For me, it's important for my children to know that they can achieve anything.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
