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Wednesday 21 May 2025
AR Rachel enjoys ‘amazing experience’ at WU17 Euros

Northern Ireland assistant referee Rachel Greer played a key role at this year’s UEFA Women’s Under-17 Euros, which were staged in the Faroe Islands.

At the tournament the AR from Belfast was first assistant for the semi-final between Italy and Norway, which the Norwegians won 3-1.

She was also first assistant for group games between Italy and France (1-1) and Norway and Austria (0-0), while she was second assistant for the Austria v Netherlands (1-4) group match.

Netherlands, who edged past France on penalties in the last four, won the tournament, defeating Norway 2-1 in the final in Torshavn on Sunday.

The 33-year-old AR pointed out: “Being able to referee in different countries combines two of my passions, football and travel, and I’m very lucky to be able to do that.

“Being asked to be an official at the UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship finals was a great honour and will hopefully motivate me more for whatever the future may hold.

“The tournament was an amazing experience. I had the privilege of working alongside referees from different countries and to learn from experienced observers.” 

Rachel began refereeing in 2014 in the South Belfast Youth League, working her way up the age groups.

She specialised as an assistant in the 2016 season and gained her FIFA Women’s Badge in January 2017.

After becoming an assistant referee in the NIFL Premier Intermediate League she was subsequently promoted to the NIFL Men’s Premiership assistant referee panel in 2021.

She explained: “I have had the opportunity to officiate in many matches at all levels, from UEFA Women’s Euro qualifiers to UEFA Women’s Champions League matches and UEFA Women’s Nations League games.

“I have officiated in many finals within Northern Ireland, including the Intermediate Cup, Steel and Sons Cup, Co Antrim Shield, League Cup and Irish Cup.”

Image: Rachel Greer (right) with Croatian referee Jelena Kumer, Bosnian assistant referee Tamara Dosen and English fourth official Kirsty Dowle before the Italy v France group game at the WU17 Euros in the Faroe Islands.