Sophie Harrison has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks at Arsenal and has now taken the next step up by signing a two-year academy contract with the WSL side.
She will join up with the Under-21 squad meaning she will play until at least the end of the 2024/25 season and with her current side, the Under 16s Regional Talent Academy, going unbeaten in winning the league and FA Youth Cup double, the sky is the limit for a talented Bedfordian footballer.
“An outstanding achievement”
Being part of an “Invincibles” side has certain traction at a club like Arsenal, where the men’s side achieved the famous accolade twenty years ago, but Sophie is taking it one step at a time as she makes her way up through the age groups.
“I’ve enjoyed it a lot and I’ve learnt so much. It’s been hard work but the people around me are really supportive – we had a great team ethos and we just clicked.”
It’s due to be a busy time for Sophie as she continues her A-Levels alongside training four times a week with matches on top, but she is confident in reaching her aspirations for the Women’s Super League and even England.
Mrs Woodgate, Head of Girls’ Sport at Bedford Modern School added, “It is incredibly exciting to hear that Sophie has been offered a contract with the Arsenal Under 21s for the coming season.
“This is an outstanding achievement and a result of her continued commitment and dedication to balancing training and academic studies.
“Sophie is a role model to any student aspiring to reach an elite level in their sport. She has the work ethic, coachability, organisation and leadership qualities of a future star. Well done, we are very proud of her.”
