Premier League Assistant Referee & FIFA International Assistant Referee, First Female to Officiate at the FA Community Shield, Member of the PGMOL Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Committee & Spoke at the House of Commons
Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE’s Biography:
Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE is one of the most respected figures in world football officiating, recognised for breaking barriers at the highest level of the game and championing greater opportunities for women in sport. With more than fifteen years of experience in a high-performance environment, Sian has earned international recognition for her professionalism, resilience and leadership under pressure. As the first Englishwoman to officiate in a men’s UEFA Europa League fixture and the first female assistant referee at the FA Community Shield, she has continually redefined expectations within elite football. Drawing on her experiences of performing in front of global audiences, managing scrutiny and making split-second decisions, Sian inspires organisations to embrace resilience, confidence, inclusion and high performance, making her a sought-after keynote speaker for businesses, educational institutions and sporting organisations.
Sian graduated with a First Class degree in Sports Science from Birmingham Newman University before beginning her career as a Physical Education Teacher and School Sport Coordinator at Foxford School in Coventry. Alongside teaching, she developed her officiating career, steadily progressing through the football pyramid before reaching the very highest levels of the game. She became a Premier League Assistant Referee and FIFA International Assistant Referee, regularly officiating in one of the world’s most demanding sporting competitions. Her commitment to continuous development has remained a defining feature of her career, completing both a Coaching Development programme with Pro Ref and a Leadership Course with Women’s Sports Collective to further strengthen her expertise in leadership, coaching and elite performance.
Sian’s achievements extend well beyond the football pitch. She received an MBE in recognition of her outstanding contribution to football officiating and her commitment to increasing representation within the game. Newman University also awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of her exceptional achievements and influence. Passionate about creating opportunities for others, she has presented evidence to the Parliamentary Women and Equalities Committee and later spoke at the House of Commons on behalf of female match officials, advocating for increased female participation in sport. These experiences have positioned her as a trusted voice on equality, leadership and cultural change.
Why Hire Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE?
Beyond officiating, Sian has served as a Board Member of Christ the King School in Coventry and is a member of the PGMOL Inclusion and Diversity Advisory Committee, reflecting her commitment to education, governance and developing more representative environments for future generations. Whether addressing senior leaders, corporate teams or sporting audiences, she combines compelling personal stories with practical lessons on decision-making, accountability, performing under pressure and building inclusive cultures. Her unique journey from classroom teacher to internationally recognised football official demonstrates that excellence is achieved through resilience, preparation and continuous learning. Audiences leave inspired by her authenticity, determination and practical insights, making Sian an outstanding keynote speaker for organisations seeking to motivate people, strengthen leadership and champion meaningful change.
Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE’s remarkable career:
- 2026 – Spoke at the House of Commons on increasing female participation in sport on behalf of female match officials
- 2026 – Completed a Coaching Development program with Pro Ref
- 2026 – Completed a Leadership Course with Women’s Sports Collective
- 2019 – Board Member of the Christ the King School, Coventry
- 2017 – Received Honorary Doctor of Science from Newman University
- 2017 – Received MBE
- 2016 – Premier League Assistant Referee
- 2008 – Physical Education Teacher and School Sport Coordinator at Foxford School
- 2004 – First Class Degree in Sports Science from Birmingham Newman University
Videos
Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE is an exceptional keynote speaker whose remarkable journey at the highest levels of elite football provides powerful insights into leadership, resilience, decision-making under pressure and creating inclusive cultures. Combining authentic storytelling with practical takeaways, she leaves audiences inspired and equipped with strategies they can apply to drive performance, confidence and positive change within their own organisations.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Leadership Under Pressure
- Confidence
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Creating Opportunities for Women and Girls
- Resilience
How Much Does Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE?
Dr Sian Massey-Ellis MBE’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.