Welsh referee Cheryl Foster has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to association football and women’s sport by being appointed an MBE in the King’s birthday honours list of 2024. Foster, a former Wales forward, made history as Wales’ first World Cup referee in 45 years during the Brazil vs. Panama match in Adelaide in 2023.
Foster’s impressive career as a referee includes officiating at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where she refereed four games, including the third-place play-off match between Australia and Sweden. Prior to this, she became the first Welsh woman to officiate at a major tournament during Euro 2022 and took charge of the 2023 Champions League final between Barcelona and Wolfsburg.
Starting her refereeing journey in 2013, Foster was added to Fifa’s international list of referees in 2015 and promoted to Uefa’s elite list five years later. Despite her full-time job as a teacher and active referee, Foster dedicates her time to supporting the Football Association of Wales (FAW) in recruiting more women referees. She leads the FAW’s women-only referee course and acts as a mentor and coach to newly qualified officials.
Foster’s career in football began as a player at Bangor City Ladies team before joining Liverpool, where she achieved great success by winning three league titles and scoring the club’s first goal in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Additionally, she earned 63 caps for Wales between 1997 and 2011, setting a record at that time.
In addition to Foster, Ian Martin from Mold was also appointed an MBE for his contributions to sport and charity, while Derek Salisbury, chair of Neath hockey club, received the same honor for his services to hockey in south Wales. Furthermore, Barrie Jenkins, vice-chair and head coach for Cardiff Chameleons, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his dedication to bowls in Wales, and Mark Portsmouth received a BEM for his services to sport in Mumbles, Swansea.
These honours recognize the dedication and achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to sports and the community, inspiring others to excel in their respective fields. Cheryl Foster’s appointment as an MBE serves as a testament to her hard work, passion, and commitment to advancing women’s participation in football and sports officiating.