Birmingham County Football Association is delighted to announce that two of its match officials have been appointed to the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.

Sian Massey-Ellis and Lisa Rashid have been appointed as assistant referees for the tournament that is taking place next summer, after an announcement was made on the FIFA.com website earlier this month.

The news rounds off a brilliant year for the pair, who continue to inspire a new generation of female officials in football.

Sian Massey-Ellis was appointed as assistant referee for the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final between Wolfsburg and Lyon in Kiev on 24 May 2018, whilst Lisa Rashid has just returned from officiating at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay - a tournament that was eventually won by Spain.

"When I received the phone call informing that I had been selected as an assistant referee for the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019, I was completely shocked," said Lisa.

"I have worked extremely hard over the last few years to be considered as a candidate, which included returning to officiating after giving birth 14 months ago.

"I was at my parents' house dropping my daughter off so I could go to the gym when I found out the news. I shouted to my mum 'I'm going to France' and she replied 'oh, not next week?' at the thought of having to be childcare again, having done so for the last month when I was in Uruguay. I laughed and said 'no mum, the World Cup in the summer.' She was so happy and proud."

After reflecting on the appointment, Sian Massey-Ellis said: "I could only dream of going to a World Cup and now that dream has come true.

"To be selected is a real honour and the call will be something I will remember forever. I am very excited for the tournament."

Kevin Shoemake, CEO at Birmingham County FA, added: “On behalf of everyone at Birmingham County FA and the wider refereeing community, I’d like to congratulate Sian and Lisa on their appointments to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next year.

“These appointments are fully deserved for the hard work and progress that Sian and Lisa have made since qualifying as officials and also the support they’ve had from friends and family as well as the leagues who have appointed them as their careers have developed.

“Their professionalism and dedication has now been recognised at the highest levels of the game - they are role models for future generations of officials and we wish them well in the tournament and beyond both personally and professionally.”

The Women’s World Cup starts on 7 June in Paris, with the final taking place in Lyon on Sunday 7 July.

The draw was made on Sunday 9 December and saw Phil Neville’s England side placed in Group D alongside Scotland, Argentina and Japan.

Want to follow in Sian and Lisa’s footsteps? The starting point for any refereeing career is the FA Referee Course, which provides participants with an insight into the laws of the game and their practical application on the field of play. We currently have four courses available for bookings – all of which begin in 2019.

To find out more and book your place, please CLICK HERE.

For any further information, please contact our Referee Development Officer.

Birmingham County FA would like to congratulate Sian and Lisa on their superb appointments and wish them the very best of luck for the tournament.