In August 2018, Lucy Clark made history as the world’s first transgender football referee.
Lucy came out as transgender prior to the 2018-19 season, and took charge of her first fixture as a woman in a London and South East Women’s Regional Football League Premier Division season opener between Queen’s Park Rangers Women and Parkwood Rangers.
Lucy kindly donated the FA referee shirt and football boots she wore in that game to the museum, becoming a visible part of our Football Heritage Collection. She has gone on to referee in the Women’s National League, as well as at grassroots level in the men’s game.
Her work in the game extends beyond officiating. Lucy co-founded Trans Radio UK with her wife Avril in 2018, then created a spin-off football team, TRUK United, three years later. The inclusive trans-masculine team competes in friendlies, charity matches, cups and tournaments in 5-a-side and 11-a-side formats.
The museum is proud to have a TRUK United shirt, match ball and matchday programme in the collection as part of Lucy’s generous donation.
Donating these objects to the museum, Lucy said: “I’m really humbled and honoured that these items are on display. I think it’s great for visibility for trans people.”
Since donating these objects to the museum in July 2023, Lucy has gone on to break down even more barriers. In January 2024, she was appointed manager of Sutton United Women: in assuming the position, became the first transgender manager appointed to a football club in the top five tiers of the women’s game in England.
