Witney teenager Chloe Smart has set her sights on the Premier League – as a referee, writes ANTHONY BARLOW.

The 16-year-old, who has played football from an early age, had already completed her basic referee training by the time she was 13.

So, when her local team folded, the Henry Box School pupil decided to take up the whistle.

And on Saturday, she took charge of her first Witney & District men's league match, Brize Norton Reserves’ 4-2 win at home to Milton Reserves in the Supplementary Cup second round.

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She was encouraged to further her education in officiating by her dad Colin, also a referee.

“My dad is very supportive, ferrying me about, to and from games, meetings and other refereeing events,” said Smart.

“Being a referee himself, my dad was my biggest influence, so having him as a mentor was a huge benefit to me.”

However, officiating is nothing new to Smart, who has progressed through the Oxfordshire Football Association Referees’ Academy, a training scheme for young referees run in conjunction with the Oxford United Centre of Excellence.

A keen sportswoman, she also helps to coach a local under 11s football side and volunteers with English National League ice hockey team, Oxford City Stars.

Smart is the third female referee in the league, and looks set to become a regular.

Referees' appointment secretary Ralph Davies said: “Chloe is a football person who understands the game and by all accounts is not worried or scared to deal with misconduct.

“Everybody who has assessed her feels she is worthy of a move to the next grade.”

Smart has clear ideas on refereeing.

She added: “The foul language always tones down when there’s a female about, which I always find remarkable.

“But one thing I won’t accept on the pitch is dissent or abuse “It’s very simple – be proactive and stamp on it fast.

“It’s all about game management, at the end of the day.

“The players are there because they want to play football, so I find that the best way to manage the game is to try and avoid being the centre of attention.”

Her long-term goal is to referee at the top. Smart added: “I would love to get to the international stage in women’s football and officiate in the Premier League.

“In an ideal world, I’d be appointed to a major cup final, but I’ll have to take things one step at a time.”

Smart is clearly one to watch.