TEENAGER Sharleen Watkins is one of three referees from Herefordshire nominated for the inaugural FA Carlsberg Referee Awards.

The 17-year-old joins Trevor Clarke and Kevin Morris among the nominees and, if shortlisted by the regional panel this month, could be in line to attend a final awards ceremony at Wembley Stadium on August 14.

Teenager Sharleen said: “I think I’ve been recognised as there aren’t many young women referees in the area.

“It would mean everything to me to win an award. I would love it.

“Sometimes refereeing grown men can be really intimidating but I enjoy the challenge,” said the Tarrington official. “I do get a lot of stick but I try and deal with it in the most efficient way possible, usually by putting a marker down early on and stopping it from escalating.

“I will keep trying to work my way up to get as high as possible, maybe even to the Premier League,” added the youngster.

“Sharleen is very brave, driven and focused,” said Jim Lambert, chief executive of the Herefordshire FA.

“She is the only female referee under 25 in the county and she’s determined to get what she wants and she has the ability.

“The initial signs are that she has got what it takes to go a long way in refereeing.

“I’m delighted that Trevor, Kevin and Sharleen have been recognised by those who have seen at close hand the tremendous work that they do in the country and fingers crossed they get shortlisted for the next round of judging.”