The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
GOING PLACES: Louisa Thorold (left) is given her award by Dermot Gallagher (centre). Also pictured is Graham Lyner, chairman of the Lincolnshire FA. Photo supplied
Louisa Thorold has added another accolade to her growing CV after being named the Lincolnshire FA’s Young Referee of The Year.
The Spalding whistler received her award from former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher at the Lincolnshire FA’s awards evening at the Epic Centre in Lincoln.
The 20-year-old admitted that she was shocked to win the event, which was open to all Lincolnshire-based referees aged between 14 and 25.
“It came out of the blue and was a bit of a surprise,” said a delighted Thorold. “I knew nothing about it until receiving the letter inviting me to the awards evening at the Lincolnshire Showground.
“I would like to thank the people who took the time to nominate me.”
With her dad Nigel and brother James both well-known referees on the South Holland scene, her impressive progress will not come as a surprise to many.
Having been named the Peterborough and District Football League’s referee of the year in 2013, this latest accolade from the Lincs FA proves that she has earned the respect of her superiors in a sport that is traditionally dominated by men.
A Lincs FA statement said: “Coming from a refereeing family it is no surprise Louisa has excelled – but her rate of progress has been remarkable.
“At only 20 she has already achieved level 5 (after receiving back-to-back promotions for two years running) and this year refereed the county women’s cup final at Sincil Bank.
“In 2013 she was nominated the Peterborough League referee of the year from a lot of 104. She is also treasurer and joint training officer of Spalding RA and a mentor to new referees.”
As a further boost to Thorold, all prize winners were handed tickets to attend the FA Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley.
Although her beloved CIty lost 3-0, it was a day to remember for the Spalding girl.
She added: “As everyone knows I am a Man City fan, so this was the icing on the cake! I had a very enjoyable evening, celebrating everyone’s hard work.”
