Manchester FA is delighted to announce that Melissa Burgin will act as Assistant Referee For the 2020-21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final.
 
Arsenal face Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday 5 December, when the teams will be led out by Referee Helen Conley (Durham FA).

Upon receiving news of the appointment, Melissa commented ‘‘It’s a real privilege and honour to have received the appointment. The FA Cup is the pinnacle for any match official and I’m really looking forward to it.’’.
 
Having recently moved to Manchester, Melissa has been heavily involved in supporting the next generation of talented match officials through her role as a Coach in the Referee Academy. 
 
‘With the growth and increased exposure of the women’s game over recent years, there are more opportunities than ever for aspiring match officials. I hope that events like this can encourage more women and girls to pick up the whistle.’

This will be the second time Melissa is involved in the Final, and as a FIFA Assistant Referee she also travels Europe to be involved in high profile tournaments and competitions.
 
Tom Elliott, Referee Development Officer at Manchester FA said ‘everyone at Manchester FA is delighted for Mel on this well-deserved accolade. She works incredibly hard and has a brilliant attitude that sets a superb example to any referee.’

‘I have no doubt that the match officials will make a positive contribution to what should be a very competitive Cup Final’.

If you would like to get involved in Refereeing by completing an FA Referee Course, please click here to access our Expression of Interest form.