What was it like for you to take part in a special tournament like the European Amputee Football Championship? Can you share your feelings with us?
It is always a great pleasure for me to take part in amputee football matches. I believe that the level of this type of football in Europe is the best in the world. Therefore, it is a great honor for me that the European committee has chosen me and placed their trust in me. These football players impress me with their talent, passion and inspire me to do my best. I had a great time in Ankara, everyone was welcoming and kind.
How did your referee career begin? What motivated you on this path?
I have been in love with football since my childhood. When I was 20, I played for the women's team called Feidon Argous in the Greek Women's Third League. When I was a player, I saw female referees and this caught my attention. For this reason, I enrolled and graduated from the Argolis Football Clubs Association (EPS Argolidas) Referee School in my region. During my referee journey, I met Alexandros Karaiosif, President of the Greek Amputee Football Federation, and with his encouragement, I took the step into amputee football refereeing.
What do you think are the most challenging and inspiring aspects of being a female referee?
When you become a female referee, the beginning becomes a little more challenging; It may take more time than a man to gain trust and establish a place. But once you gain that trust, I believe the opportunities for female referees can be greater than for men because there is less competition between women.
Does amputee football management require a different approach than other types of football? What do you particularly pay attention to in these matches?
I think the general approach is similar because as a referee it is my primary duty to always be fair, remain impartial and preserve the spirit and beauty of the game. However, since I mostly take part in football matches throughout the season, the transition to football for an amputee poses some difficulties. The rules, field dimensions and dynamics of the game are quite different. So I have to adapt both technically and mentally. I have to anticipate different types of movement and contact, and be sensitive to the specific characteristics of the players and the game. However, this challenge makes me grow and reminds me how inclusive and diverse football is.
Can you share with us the most unforgettable moment you experienced on or off the field?
An unforgettable moment for me was taking part in the EAFF Champions League final. I felt great happiness and intense emotions the moment I walked onto the field with the teams and heard the Champions League anthem.
The role of women in football is increasing day by day. How do you see the development and impact of female referees in football?
The presence of women in football has been steadily increasing in recent years, and female referees are gaining greater recognition and trust at both national and international levels. This development not only creates new opportunities for women in the field of refereeing, but also inspires young girls around the world by showing them that they have a place in football, on or off the field.
How do you prepare physically and mentally for this profession? Do you have certain routines before a match or in your daily life?
I try to prepare myself appropriately by studying the competition rules, watching position videos from previous matches and training on the field every day.
What advice would you give to young women and girls considering a referee career?
I definitely recommend them to try it, because it will undoubtedly provide them with many beautiful memories. And of course, I advise them not to give up at the first difficulty they will encounter at some point.
You work with referees from different countries. What do you think about international referee culture?
I really enjoy working with colleagues from abroad. After the various tournaments we have participated in, we feel like a united family that shares the same love of refereeing. We learn new things from each other every time, improve and try to apply the same refereeing style.
Are there any special tournaments or projects you dream of taking part in in the future?
One of my dreams is for Amputee Football to become a paralympic sport and to be chosen as a referee in the Paralympic Games.
