Sophie Harrison Signed for Arsenal Girls Youth Academy 05 July 2021

Year 9 student and talented footballer Sophie Harrison has recently been offered a training contract with the Arsenal U16 Girls Youth Academy.

Sophie, who has been playing football since she was five, was offered the chance to take part in some Arsenal Girls Youth Academy trial sessions after playing a match in early May against their U16 Girls squad. Sophie said that the sessions were: “intense and challenging and I really enjoyed playing with other girls of similar ability. At the end of the Arsenal trial process I was offered a contract to train with the squad and will play for them when a midfield position becomes free.”

Sophie will train twice a week with the academy squad and will play around five matches a year when any of the current older year group midfielders play in the U21 team. If any of her teammates move permanently up to the U21 squad during the year, she will be offered the opportunity to sign onto a full playing contract.

On her success, Head of Girls’ Sport Miss Woodgate said: “I was delighted, but not surprised to hear that Sophie had been offered a training contract. Sophie is an incredibly talented footballer and all-round sportswoman with serious potential. I could not think of a player more deserving of this opportunity. We wish her every success over the next few years and are excited to support her on this journey.”

Sophie added: “My hopes for the future are to get into the Arsenal Women’s first team through this process and I would love to represent my country in the future. I am grateful to the coaches of my teams and staff at BMS for supporting and believing in me.”