Rebecca Welch Named Recipient of the 2025–26 Charlton Award

Huge congratulations to Rebecca Welch on being named the recipient of the 2025-26 Charlton Award.

Now in its third year, The FA’s Charlton Award is decided by the Professional Game Board to recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to the future of English football.

Rebecca’s remarkable career is defined by historic firsts:

The first women appointed to referee an EFL match (2021)

The first woman to officiate a men’s Premier League match (2023)

International appointments at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Paris 2024 Olympics

Having recently retired from active refereeing on the pitch, Rebecca continues to break new ground by supporting the development of match officials as Director of the Women’s Professional Game Group at Pro Ref.

On hearing news of the award, Rebecca Welch said: “I was genuinely shocked when I heard I’d been chosen for this award. To receive something that carries Sir Bobby Charlton’s name is incredibly special, and I’m very proud and grateful to be recognised. Sir Bobby inspired so many people, and it’s a real privilege to be associated with his legacy.”

Everyone at the Foundation and Sir Bobby’s family share our warmest congratulations to Rebecca for this tribute to her career and achievements.