A Westbury referee has gone from strength to strength, with an upcoming international fixture the latest in a series of high-profile matches.
On 2nd February, Ella Broad was the assistant referee in the Women’s Super League (WSL) clash between Aston Villa and Chelsea, which was broadcast live on BBC Two. A week later, on 9th February, Ella swapped the assistant’s flag for the referee’s whistle as she took charge of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup fifth-round tie between Rugby Borough and Liverpool.
Now, Ella has been appointed to oversee an international fixture between England and France’s Women’s Under-23 squads. She will officiate at the Lamex Stadium in Stevenage on 25th February, keeping a watchful eye on the young Lionesses in the friendly match.
Previously described as a “refereeing dynamo” by the Wiltshire FA, Ella began her training at 14 and officiated games across Wiltshire while studying for her A-levels. Since then, she has won accolades such as ‘Best Sporting Individual’ at the Westbury Young People’s Awards and ‘Match Official of the Year’ in the FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards. Not only is Ella flying the flag for Wiltshire FA, but she is also inspiring the next generation of girls to get involved in football.
Simon Russell, CEO of Wiltshire FA, said, “We’re delighted to see the progress that Ella—one of our own—is making in her referee journey, as we are with all Wiltshire referees who continue to make great strides.
“As a county, we’re proud of the impressive track record we have in producing match officials who go on to achieve appointments on a national and international stage. However, this isn’t down to luck. It is the result of the hard work and dedication of each referee, as well as the investment we make in the development and training of match officials at all levels of the game.
“To have Ella lead this work is perfect, as she understands the unique challenges and issues faced by referees at each stage of their careers, while also providing an example of what can be achieved.”
Ella, a former White Horse News deliverer, has been involved in the Women’s Super League for two seasons, taking on various officiating roles.
Simon added, “Ella’s continued progress through the referee pathway is a true testament to the opportunities available to aspiring match officials in Wiltshire, who can be inspired by being guided through their own respective journeys by Ella herself in her role with Wiltshire FA.”
In 2024-25, Wiltshire FA recorded a total of 477 referees registered for the season, a number expected to grow following the organisation’s FA Referee Courses.
If you are interested in future FA Referee Courses, register your interest by contacting Ella at Ella.Broad@WiltshireFA.com.
Pictured: Ella Broad, credit: Wiltshire FA
