Witney teenager Chloe Smart has set her sights on the Premier League – as a referee, writes Anthony Barlow.

The 16-year-old, who played football from an early age, completed her basic referee training by the time she was 13.

So, when her local football team folded, the Henry Box School pupil decided to take up the whistle.

And on Saturday, she took charge of her first Witney & District mens’ league match, Brize Norton Res’ home clash with Milton Res.

However, officiating is nothing new to Smart who has progressed through the Oxfordshire Football Association Referees’ Academy, a training scheme for young referees run in conjunction with the Oxford United Centre of Excellence.

She was encouraged to further her education in officiating by her dad Colin, also a referee.

“My dad is very supportive, ferrying me about, to and from games, meetings and other refereeing events,” said Smart.

“Being a referee himself, my dad was my biggest influence, so having him as a mentor was a huge benefit to me.”

Smart is the third female referee in the league, and looks set to become a regular.

Referee’s appointment secretary Ralph Davies said: “Chloe is a football person who understands the game and is not worried or scared to deal with misconduct.

“Everybody who has assessed her feels she is worthy of a move to the next grade.”

Smart has clear ideas on refereeing.

She added: “One thing I won’t accept on the pitch is dissent or abuse, it’s very simple, be proactive and stamp on it fast.”

Her long term goal is to referee at the top.

Smart added: “I would love to get to the international stage in women’s football and officiate in the Premier League.

“In an ideal world, I’d be appointed to a major cup final, but I’ll have to take things one step at a time.”

Smart is clearly one to watch.

Brize won the Supplementary Cup second-round tie 4-2, with Chris Dunham (3) and Richard Duffy on target. Stephen Pearce and Louis Breaks replied.