Get Ella Back on the Pitch: Support Her ACL Surgery

Hi everyone, my name is Ella Humphrey, and football has been at the centre of my life for as long as I can remember.

I spent over a decade at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Academy from ages 7 to 18, where I built the discipline, drive, and love for football I carry today.

Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to play at a high level, proudly representing Wales at U15, U17 and U19 levels, and most recently being part of Portsmouth FC Women for three seasons, winning the National League South in 2024. Something I’m immensely proud of. I’m also a massive Pompey fan, and there’s nothing I love more than being involved in the game — whether on the pitch or supporting at Fratton Park.

Last season was one of the hardest of my career. I missed most of it with a dislocated ankle and ruptured ligaments, and at the end of the season I was released by Pompey.

After months of rehab and determination, I was finally ready for a fresh start.

But just 10 minutes into a pre-season friendly, I went down injured again. At first, it wasn’t clear how serious it was, but scans later confirmed the devastating news that no footballer wants to hear: my ACL was ruptured — every player’s worst fear.

Hearing those words was heartbreaking. I’d already lost so much time to injury, and now I’m facing surgery, a long recovery, and the risk of not playing again unless I can get the treatment I need.

Unfortunately, the costs of surgery, rehabilitation, and physio are far more than I can manage on my own. That’s why I’ve created this page — to ask for your help.

Your support, whether it’s through donating or sharing my story, would mean the world to me. Every contribution will go directly towards the surgery and recovery I need to get back doing what I love most: playing football.

I know the road back will be tough, and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve already received from friends, family, teammates past and present, fans and the support staff at Moneyfields. With your help, I’m determined to overcome this challenge, get back on my feet, and return to the game I love stronger than ever.

Thank you so much for reading my story, for your kindness, and for standing by me.

Ella