From captain of her primary school team to calling the shots, 14-year-old Isabella isn’t just playing football – she’s running it!
After completing her Hertfordshire County FA Referee course, Isabella is now a fully qualified referee and is giving back to Croxley Green FC, the club where her football journey began at age six.
Over the past six months, Isabella has embraced every challenge of refereeing, from learning the rules inside out to stepping onto the pitch with authority.
She said: “I love football. I always have from two years old, joining my first football club at six years old and captaining my primary school teams.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about refereeing? Being in and around football – I love it! Giving back to my local community, school, and club; developing young footballers; growing into the role; learning more about the game; and, of course, earning my money!”
The Croxley Green FC U12 coaches and club have offered constant support, guidance and encouragement throughout her training.
Club officials said: “We are incredibly proud of Isabella and her dedication to football both on and off the pitch. She has committed to refereeing for the county, the community, and her home club – Croxley Green FC, where she began her football journey at six years old with the U7 Blacks.
“We are very grateful to Chelsea WFC Academy and the Croxley Green FC coaches – Matt Hannon, Paul Johnson and Neal Sadler – for supporting Isabella to complete the Hertfordshire County FA Referee course.”
From scoring goals to keeping the game fair and inspiring others, Isabella is proof that football is about more than just playing the game, but also about leading, learning, and giving back.
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