August 18 – Ten years old when her family fled the civil war in Somalia, Jawahir Roble is English football’s first female Muslim referee and has her sights set on getting to the top.
In an interview with the BBC, the 25-year-old says she wants to be an inspiration to others.
“University has finished and I am going all out,” said Roble who fell in love with football as a young girl even though her parents forbade her from playing, encouraging her instead to pursue a “normal” career.
Although she didn’t speak a word of English when she arrived in the UK, she used the language of football.
“I didn’t speak English but football was there from day one,” she said. “I would bring my own ball and whoever has the ball at primary school is at the top. All the boys and girls would play with me and it was the best feeling.
“My plan in life was to become a professional footballer and then a few years later it became a passion with refereeing. That was never my plan but I am glad it happened.”
Asked about her aspirations to officiate in the English Premier League or the Women’s Super League, Roble, who is a qualified level-six referee, said: “Honestly, that’s the mission.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1735327284labto1735327284ofdlr1735327284owedi1735327284sni@w1735327284ahsra1735327284w.wer1735327284dna1735327284