A SUFFOLK match official said it was ‘the most incredible experience’ following her international debut.

Vicky Anderson was an assistant referee at the England Women’s Under-16 versus Switzerland Women’s Under-16 friendly on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, who lives near Bury St Edmunds, was on the line for match at St George’s Park which England won 4-2.

Vicky, who has in her third season as a match official and was an assistant referee at last season’s MH Goals Suffolk Women’s Cup Final at Portman Road, said she received notification of her appointment via an email.

“I found out via an email saying ‘Congratulations the following officials have been selected for the international friendly between England and Switzerland. Victoria Anderson - Assistant referee.’ 

“I was overwhelmed with the news but truly excited and a bit nervous,” said Vicky of officiating at the National Football Centre in Burton Upon Trent.

Vicky was part of a team that included referee Jodie Hunter from South Yorkshire and fellow assistant referee Ella Squires from Bedfordshire FA.

Vicky Anderson (on the right of the three match officials) lines up for the national anthems with the two teams before the match at St George's Park. Main photograph: Vicky alongside the entrance sign at St George's Park.

Looking back on the day, Vicky said: “It was like no other experience; the lead up and singing the national anthem was amazing. Both teams played very well technically and the game was played in a good spirit.

“It was the most incredible experience. The highlight was definitely the walking out with the teams – that’s when it felt real.”

Vicky said the experience had inspired her to continue to achieve in her career as a match official.

“Absolutely, it’s given a real sense of pride and wanting to reach a higher level in my refereeing,” she added.

Suffolk FA Referee Development Officer Ben Bowles said: “We as a refereeing department would like to congratulate Vicky on such a prestigious appointment.

“This is testament to Vicky’s hard work and dedication to her career thus far, and everyone at Suffolk FA looks forward to supporting and monitoring her career as a match official in the future.”

Vicky is the latest female Suffolk match official to receive international recognition following in the footsteps of Emily Heaslip, Abi Byrne and Isabel Chaplin.