Jawahir Roble

Jawahir ‘JJ’ Roble has made history by becoming Britain’s first ever registered female Muslim football referee who is aiming, to one day, officiate the World Cup. In recognition of her dedication in services to football and charity, in 2023 she received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list. As one of very few women, let alone Muslim women, who are referees in football, JJ has dedicated her career to encouraging other women and girls to play football. Day by day she is proving football is not just a man’s sport, and when hired as a speaker, JJ is able to speak on diversity and inclusion in the world of football, and encourages everyone who loves the sport to get involved, no matter your identity.

Born in the war-torn country Somalia, JJ was just 10 years old when she came to the UK as a refugee with her family. Growing up, her parents discouraged her from playing football because it was a ‘man’s game’, but she continued to play wherever she could and whenever she got the chance. She stumbled upon refereeing but fell in love and decided it was the career path for her.

Although she has an immense love for being a referee, JJ noticed very few children played football in her community and set up a girls’ team. In 2017 she was then honoured with the Respect Award in recognition of her work for the education charity Football Beyond Borders (FBB). She is the coach for FBB’s first women’s team and obtained a Level Six refereeing Qualification to help with her dreams of one day officiating for some of the biggest matches in football.

In 2019 JJ was recognised as one of the BBC’s 100 women of 2019, and offers her refereeing services for youngsters who play at the Jason Roberts foundation – a charity set up which offers life skills and mentoring, and sports for disadvantaged young children. With determination unmatched, refusing to give up even after her parents discouraged for from playing the sport she loved, JJ has made it her mission to encourage other young women and girls to play football. She is proving women do belong in football and is proud to offer advice to anyone who wants to get into the sport. If you are looking for a determined and approachable speaker, who has been described as ‘the most remarkable referee in England’ by the Daily Telegraph, look no further than Jawahir ‘JJ’ Roble to hire at your next event.