Army referee part of Women's FA Cup final officiating team at Wembley Stadium

An Army referee was part of the officiating team for the 2024 Women's FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.

Lieutenant Levi Gray was appointed to the reserve official role as Manchester United thumped Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 in the showpiece match.

Lt Gray has been receiving some high-profile appointments this year, including Arsenal's 6-0 Women's League Cup win over Reading in January and the RAF's Inter Services title-clinching win over the Navy in March.

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The Army official joined the Royal Irish Regiment in April 2022 and made her debut as referee in the Women's Championship as well as an assistant referee in the Women's Super League this season.

She was part of an Armed Forces officiating quarter who took charge of Chelsea v West Ham in November alongside Corporal Lauren Impey (referee), Warrant Officer Class 2 Gareth Dunn (assistant referee) and former Navy official Adewunmi Soneye (fourth official).

Forces News spoke to Lt Gray after the final and asked her how it felt to get the appointment.

What did it feel like to get the appointment?

LG: Surreal! When I got the call, I felt so overwhelmed! From where I started in grassroots football, to be representing the Army FA at such a prestigious event, I couldn't believe how lucky I was. Stepping out onto the pitch and feeling the atmosphere of 76,000 fans, but still being able to spot my family in the crowd, was a moment I will never forget. 

Is it just the start of higher profile appointments for you?

LG: A girl can dream! The overarching aim for each season remains; work hard and take every opportunity available to learn and improve. Of course, I have a vision for where I would like my refereeing career to go over the next few seasons, but I am definitely enjoying the journey and the experiences gained along the way! 

What does this say about the standard of officials that come from the military?

LG: I do believe that being in the military fosters a growth mindset. I have definitely used the phrase 'Fail. Learn. Win' a lot over the last few seasons! Being able to work in a team with Lauren Impey (RAF) on the WSL has taught me so much that I've been able to bring into my game both in the Women's Championship and in Men's football this season. And working in such diverse groups in the Army means that I am comfortable and enjoy working with new teams and officials each week, quickly establishing common ground and the best way to support and uplift each other. 

Elsewhere at Wembley, RAF football's Sergeant Jennifer Whatton was given the honor of bringing the FA Cup trophy out on to the pitch.