Allys Clipsham

My inspiration for Sport came from my Great Grandad who after losing an arm in Normandy, won medals in swimming, shot put and discus at the Stoke Mandeville games. From the age of 5 I've been a sports player, starting my football career at a boys' team. I progressed to play for my county Nottinghamshire and Barrowby Ladies. I currently play for Bangor University Women's Football Club as a left back. After seriously breaking my ankle when 13, I decided instead of pursuing a career in professional football I would focus on refereeing and aspire to referee in the Barclays Premier League. At 14 I was one of the youngest females to become a referee and have refereed matches in the Lincolnshire Men's league as well as refereeing tournaments and Men's charity matches. I am a volunteer, teaching gym club for a year within schools. I've also volunteered at the mini Olympics, with Kelly Holmes no less! I've coached football for numerous clubs. At secondary school I was a keen athlete, and awarded the Victrix Ludorum trophy for achievements in athletics. For school I played Netball, Badminton and Rounder's. I became a Community Sports Leader, enabling me to teach younger children in and around the school community. My grandad has instilled in me the same determination he showed, to never give up and anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it. I aim to use this determination to attain a degree in Linguistics at Bangor University but especially to reach my goal within Refereeing.