Lorraine Clark, who has been a referee for eight years, learned of FIFA's decision just a few weeks ago and said she was "thrilled" at the news.

The 24-year-old said: "I found out I had been nominated two months ago but I didn't want to build up my hopes until FIFA approved the nomination. Once it was confirmed I was thrilled.

"I feel very privileged to be in this position and I would like to thank all who have helped me get here, particularly my colleagues in Fife Referee Association and the rest of Scotland."

Lorraine, who now stays in Thornton, has already acted as Assistant Referee in the European Under 17 Championships competition held in Sweden and more recently, the Women's World Cup Qualifying Match, Hungary v Romania, held in the Stadion Varosi in Hungary.

Lorraine was a keen football player when she was young and attended Balwearie High School.

She told SportsPress: "I really liked football when I was growing up. I got into it by going to games with my dad and watching it on television.

"I played football while I was at primary and secondary school and played for the under 16s team. I continued until I was 17 and then realised I would have to either start playing for a woman's team or become a referee. I was working part-time and never had the commitment to go into training.

"It was when I was playing for the school team that my PE teacher suggested I go to referee classes and so I decided to go for that. In Fife there are three regular female referees at training with five or six on the books."

She currently officiates in semi-professional football and has her sights set on achieving the top level in the Scottish game.

Lorraine continued: "24 is the minimum age to be a referee and I wanted to start as early as possible. I want to reach the top level and go as far as I can. It is a stereotypical male sport but this is changing as women are more accepted now. I hope what I have done will encourage other girls to see what can be achieved."

Colin Brown, the president of Fife Referees, said: "We are very proud of what Lorraine has achieved in a relatively short time. I am sure she will go from strength to strength in refereeing. She is a good example of what a combination of hard work and ability can do".

For those men and women who wish to follow in Lorraine's footsteps, referee classes will take place in Fife soon.

She added: "I would encourage anyone with an interest in football to attend the classes. It is where I started and I couldn't have imagined it would have led to this. The rewards are there if you are prepared to work for them".