World Cup Final referee Howard Webb is set to take charge of the inaugural Stevenage Ladies FC game later this month at The Lamex Stadium.
The 42-year old, who refereed the 2010 World Cup and Champions League Finals and will again be officiating in the forthcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil, will oversee the commemorative game between Stevenage and Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday 30th April, 7.45pm, barring any Champions League commitments.
Sian Massey, who regularly officiates in the Premier League and Football League, will be one of the two referee’s assistants for this game.
Head of Stevenage FC Foundation Alex Tunbridge, who will head up the new club, says, “We are delighted that Howard Webb and Sian Massey are set to be amongst the officials for the first ever Stevenage Ladies FC game.
“With Howard one of the world’s most respected referees and Sian a leading official in both the men’s and women’s game , both are high profile appointments and we look forward to welcoming them to The Lamex Stadium.”
Alex continued, “In the first six months of 2014 the Stevenage FC Foundation will have delivered over 180 hours of provision to over 270 females aged 16-25. The new ladies side will provide further opportunities for many of these and most importantly for future generations too.”
The new Stevenage Ladies FC combines Stevenage FC with Stevenage Borough Ladies FC and the team will compete in the third tier of the women’s game. The ladies club, which will initially have a first and reserve team, is likely to play its home matches at Codicote Sports Ground and train twice per week at new state-of-the art facilities at Marriotts School in Stevenage. The initial vision is to create a sustainable women’s club which can inspire future generations to play the game.
Tickets for the match between Stevenage Ladies FC and QPR Ladies on Wednesday 30th April (7.45pm) cost £2 for adults on the gate, with U16s free.