Female Focus: Charley Smith (The New Saints)
Charley Smith is not just a footballer – she has also made history as a match official.
In 2018, the 22-year-old was part of an all-women team which refereed a senior men’s match for the first time in Wales.
Charley, along with Laura Griffiths, Sian Williams and referee Cheryl Foster, officiated the Huws Gray Alliance Cup final in Ruthin between Flint Town United and Gresford Athletic.
It was the first occasion all four officials at a senior men’s game in Wales were women.
Charley has also enjoyed success as a player, having represented Welsh Colleges, and last season she was in the Amlwch Town squad which won the North Wales League Supplementary Cup final.
In the summer she signed for The New Saints, who play in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands.
Full Name
Charley Louise Smith
Date of Birth
17/03/97
First football memory
When my mate popped my ball taking a pen
Football idol
Steph Houghton and David Beckham
Position
CB
Most memorable game played in
The Supplementary Cup final last season for Amlwch against Wrexham… what a night that was
Biggest highlight of football career so far
Playing for Welsh Colleges when we beat Australia 1-0
Strengths to your game
My mouth, commitment into tackles and challenges and I think i read the game well.
Weaknesses
My mood swings and fitness.
How have you been getting on at TNS since you joined them this summer?
Since the league has started, I’ve watched more than played due to work commitments etc, but hoping to get some minutes in after this week. But the girls are doing well in third place
Best team-mate played alongside
I think I work well with Charl Turner
How long have you been a referee/assistant?
In my 7th season
Why did you take up refereeing?
I still ask myself this question at 5pm every Saturday! passion and love for the game
What has been the highlight of your refereeing/assistant career so far?
Refereeing United girls v Wales this year.
What would you eventually like to achieve as a ref/assistant?
Nothing less than a Fifa referee badge of course!
Personal football ambitions
I’d love to referee Manchester City Ladies one day.
RANDOM QUESTIONS
Favourite chocolate
Every single Dairy Milk bar
Best film seen this year
I watch too much Netflix to remember, but I love a good horror
Current favourite song
Rhys Lewis – Be Your Man
Favourite TV show
Hollyoaks
TV show you dislike most
Love Island
Best quality as a person
I’m caring and would do anything for anyone
Worst fault
I can’t say no
Best live show/concert seen
Twenty One Pilots
Favourite female footballer
Katie Zalem
Tell us something about you we might not know
I eat a jar of cockles every Sunday to prevent cramps when I play … I also drink the juice.