A sportswoman’s story on enjoying more sport in our girls’ schools.

My football journey so far has been an amazing adventure. When my dad’s job took us from London to Malaysia and then back to the UK, I experienced a lot of change. In 2024, I joined Blackheath High School in Year 9, and they’ve supported me in my dream of a future in professional football. There’s even a chance I could get a trial with the Scottish national team, which would be a dream come true.

It all started when I was in Year 6. I share a passion for football with my dad, and he noticed I had some talent for the game – so he did some research and helped me find local teams to join. I started out with Leckhampton Rovers FC, then moved to Swindon Town Football Club, where I played in defence for the girls’ team. I also got the chance to train and play with the boys’ team, which was a real eye-opener as I got to experience a faster pace and different style of teamwork.

Later, I played a season in centre midfield with West Bromwich Albion, and even had the chance to play at their stadium! But then we moved to London to be closer to my grandmother, who was unwell at the time. That move opened up even more exciting opportunities – I competed against more than 2,000 girls and was so excited to be one of just 13 selected for Tottenham Hotspur Women’s Academy.

After a season with Spurs, I signed with the London City Lionesses Academy. It’s an amazing all-girls’ club led by women’s sports advocate Michele Kang, and it’s just one division below the Women’s Super League (WSL). I’m currently playing for the U14s and aiming to move up to the U16s next season – and hopefully, eventually play nationally. My dad is in touch with the Scottish team, and we are both really hopeful I will get a trial.

Life is really busy – I play football every single day, usually for at least an hour and a half, and I’m always dashing between clubs. I feel so lucky to train with well-known teams, but I also love the grassroots side of the game. One of my favourite teams to play with is Cray Wanderers in Sidcup. They have such an amazing community and lovely players – we even played Chelsea once, which was incredible!

My football role model Kanté. He always goes the extra mile, and I admire that so much. I want to bring that same dedication to every part of my game.

I’m really enjoying Blackheath High – and of course, I’ve jumped at every football opportunity here too! I took part in the GDST team trials in January and got through the first round – I scored four goals, which I was very proud of.

Football is such a big part of my life, and I’m so excited to see where it will take me next. I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I’m ready for it!

Sofia
Y9 pupil at Blackheath High School GDST

The GSA U11 Girls’ Football Festival, in partnership with ISFA will take place on Thursday 8 May 2025 at King’s High, Warwick.

The day will be split into two parts. In the morning, schools will take part in a series of friendly matches against other schools. The results of these matches will determine which tournament competition each school takes part in during the afternoon session.

[button title=”Find Out More” url=”https://gsa.uk.com/event/gsa-girls-football-festival-2025/” style=”hollow”]