Bermuda football will bid a fond farewell to referee Jenny Villamarin following tonight's friendly at the National Sports Centre (NSC) between the national team and Colorado Rapids.

Over the past four-years the 35-year-old Ecuadorian, who has cared for children and taught Spanish since her arrival on the Island in 2001, has made a considerable contribution to local football and earned respect in the community.

Villamarin actually turned down an offer to referee tonight's clash at the NSC and admits it's going to be difficult giving up a passion she has been committed to over the past four years.

"It's going to be hard to leave Bermuda's football family because I have learnt so many things and met so many good friends here. I feel sad and, of course, a part of me wants to stay here because Bermuda is part of my family now. However, the other part of me wants to go home and as you know there's no place like home," she said.

Villamarin began her love affair with local football as a striker with former women's team BAA Royals before eventually taking up duties with the whistle.

"I have loved football all of my life and when I arrived here I met some friends who invited me to play and so I began playing," she recalled. "It wasn't easy at the beginning because the language barrier was very challenging while the conditions were very humid. But I still enjoyed it - although I didn't score too many goals."

In 1997 Villamarin received refereeing certification in her native Ecuador and in 2004 she put her qualifications to good use in Bermuda.

"It is certainly not an easy job and you have to really love it," she said. "Sometimes you may make mistakes but we are human beings as well and so that is also part of the game.

"Sometimes the crowd and players use language towards you but it's all part of the job - and we know that. Yes, people cross the line sometimes but we understand they are passionate about the game and it's not personal. I never take things from the fans, players or even coaches personal because I understand their passion for the game. They probably think we are cheating - but this is not the case.

"Every time you go onto the field you have to do so wanting to do your best. You just go out there and try to enforce the laws of the game to the best of your ability."

On the eve of her departure to her homeland tomorrow Villamarin has given local officiating a ringing endorsement but feels there's still room for improvement.

"I think we have a good level of refereeing here but we must improve that level. I think we need more help in having workshops with international people here and also need to practice more and schedule more meetings among referees to talk about the laws and what's going on in the game that is always changing," she said.

Charles Clarke, Bermuda Football Association (BFA) chairman of referees, says Villimarin's services are sure to be missed.

"Jenny arrived in Bermuda as a qualified referee and has been a vital part of the refereeing structure in Bermuda over the past few years. She came in and helped fill a major void," he said.

"It's always sad to see officials go and it is unfortunate Jenny has to leave us at this particular time. She is certainly going to be missed."