Sport's 2014 'Internet sensation'...

MAY 2014 saw Fernanda Colombo Uliana in the public eye when she became the first female referee in Brazil, officiating the men's game in the middle, following time as a linesperson in the game.

Although not a trailblazer as a female official in the men's game - Sian Massey has been an official in the English game for some time, though not to everybody's liking, it has to be said - Uliana's appearance at the top level of the men's game in South American football has opened the door to more female officials in not only Brazil, but also across that continent, which may also encourage recruitment across the world.

Miss Uliana has featured in photo-shoots following finding 'fame' in Brazil and you can learn more about Fernanda on her social media sites at Instagram and Facebook.

I shall close this posting with a couple of Fernanda's photographs.

Enjoy.

Where did summer go?

WELCOME to the latest posting here on RFTFT, autumn is taking hold, the leaves on the ground and the rain is no longer 'gentle' but 'lashing'. Television has reverted to the autumn schedule - Yes, 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'The X Factor' now rule your weekends. The football season is now over two months old, with FA Cup fixtures every other week for the non league clubs and the England team are one match - v Poland - away from qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Parents are delighted as the school year is under way and Channel 4 reflect this with the series 'Educating Yorkshire', which focuses on a pupil named Sheridan and her colourful use of the English language, as well as the deputy head teacher, Mr Steer, who is allergic to everything. This post has used italics six times and that's enough. People to see and stuff to do and all that, as always, if you have visited this blog for the first time, welcome and please return again soon. Also thank you to those who visit this blog via the links on my Twitter and Facebook accounts, would you like to add this blog as one of your favourites? If you do, then thank you once again.

FA Cup 5th Round Draw, 2008

THE DRAW for the 5th Round of the FA Cup took place today (Monday), which is as follows:

Bristol Rovers v Southampton

Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sheffield United v Middlesbrough

Liverpool v Barnsley

Manchester United v Arsenal

Preston North End v Portsmouth

Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion

Chelsea v Huddersfield Town

All of the above ties are to be played the weekend of 16 - 17 February 2008.

Other football news:

Dennis Wise, manager of Leeds United, is to join Newcastle United as part of the new coaching set-up under Kevin Keegan. Wise joins Newcastle United on Tuesday morning.

Carlisle United winger / striker Kevin Gall is to join Darlington on a short term loan.

Lucy Branthwaite of Brough is to be a Mascot for Carlisle United at a forthcoming home fixture. Lucy will be Mascot at the United v Huddersfield Town match at Brunton Park on Tuesday 12 February 2008, four or five days before Huddersfield Town face Chelsea in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge. Town's goalkeeper is former United #1, Matty Glennon.

Former Carlisle United striker Karl Hawley, who wore #10 for the Blues, scored twice for Preston North End as they knocked Premiership strugglers Derby County out of the 4th Round of the FA Cup on Saturday (26 February 2008). PNE face Portsmouth at Deepdale in Round 5.

RUGBY UNION : Return of the 6 Nations

Saturday 2 February sees the start of the 2008 6 Nations, the opening fixtures are England v Wales, Scotland v France.

BFBS DAB TRIAL :

The trial service by BFBS continues on DAB Digital Radio. Please support the BFBS trial by listening on DAB and contacting BFBS using one of the methods included in a previous post.

One highlight of BFBS on DAB is long-serving presenter Simon Guettier, who hosts the weekday afternoon show. Simon also has a MySpace page, which I have linked to here.

More news, views and updates very soon...