Trail blazing Amber heading for the top
She may be at the beginning of her fledgling refereeing career, but already Amber Stamp is being hailed as an inspiration to others and has been tipped to become Wales’s first female international referee.
WRU Community Match Officials Development Lead Sean Brickell has high hopes of his protégé after seeing her make rapid strides since taking up the whistle as a 17-year-old after successfully completing a female only Ready to Ref course five years ago.
“Amber has the potential to be our first female international referee,” predicts Brickell.
“She has all the attributes required to reach the top of her game. Hardworking, motivated and the drive to succeed in what she wants to achieve. Although Amber is very ambitious, she’s a very grounded, respectful young lady, who fully appreciates all those who have supported her on her journey.
“Both Amber and Jenny Davies have raised the bar with female officiating in Wales, and they have shown what’s achievable with patience and hard work. Hopefully they will inspire more females to take up the whistle.”
Brickell added: “We have a small but dedicated group of female match officials who support the community game. Sarah Toll, Ceri Parry and Fiona Davies are now experienced referees, while recent additions are Coral McShane, Macey Philips, Bethan MacLauchlin and ex Wales internationals Jess Kavanagh and Amy Thompson.”