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.