Lizzy van der Helm, a 36-year-old international FIFA referee, navigates the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. She officiates high-level football matches globally while simultaneously working as a pension advisor. Van der Helm combines her passion for refereeing with the necessity of a stable income to cover her expenses. This dual career path highlights the financial realities faced by many professional referees, even at the international level. Her story sheds light on the dedication and resilience required to succeed as a female official in professional football. The arrangement allows her to pursue her refereeing ambitions without financial strain. She represents a growing number of women breaking barriers in sports officiating.