In the UK, the process of becoming a professional soccer player begins at a young age.
In the US, children typically start by joining local or travel clubs, then progress to high school teams, maybe play in college before turning pro. Recently, a small but growing number of teenage players are choosing to sign contracts with the NWSL before completing their education.
However, in the UK, a young footballer’s journey to stardom can start as early as five years old. The academy system is designed to support aspiring young players as they aim for an adult contract, with top professional clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea, and others providing their youth programs with full-time coaches, training facilities, and a match schedule. At the age of 18, the senior club will either offer a professional contract to the player or release them to seek a place on another team’s roster.
The objective has always been to nurture and sustain local talent, with academies across the league producing WSL and England national team stars like Leah Williamson, Lauren James, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Mary Earps. Major league teams are now more focused on this given the significant growth of the women’s game in the UK post-Euros.
Academy life involves more than just practice sessions and weekend games at training grounds. When senior clubs participate in international friendlies, they often invite some academy players to join them. This gives young players exposure, bonding time with the team, playing time, and allows the coaching staff to assess their progress and integration with the club.
Michelle Agyemang and Vivienne Lia, two promising academy products, recently joined Arsenal FC on a tour of the USA. 18-year-old Agyemang signed her first pro contract with Arsenal in May after debuting at the age of 16. Lia, 17, is still in school, combining academics with academy training and making her senior club debut in February 2024.
Last week, JWS had a conversation with Michelle Agyemang and Vivienne Lia, two standouts of the England U19 team, in Washington, DC before Arsenal’s friendly match against Chelsea to explore their journeys from childhood Arsenal fans to academy stars and beyond.
How’s the trip going so far?
Michelle Agyemang: So far, so good. It has been great to explore the monuments and train. It has also been nice to be around everyone.
Viv, this is your second team trip after Arsenal’s Australia exhibition in May. How are you finding it?
Vivienne Lia: It’s been amazing. Australia was busier with the fans, but this time in DC it’s been more relaxed. However, it has been more intensive because of preseason training.
How old were each of you when you signed with Arsenal Academy?
MA: I was six.
VL: I was 14.
I know Arsenal has recently moved away from academy trials and now uses a talent identification team to recruit young players, but what was the process like when you joined?
MA: At that time, you would apply on a website, attend a large trial with about 30 girls, do some training, and if you were successful, you advanced to a second round with fewer girls. That was it – two sessions, then an email or letter of acceptance.
VL: My experience was quite similar. There were initial trials with a larger group, followed by a cut to a smaller group for further assessment. Now, they no longer have open trials; instead, you partake in training sessions.
Did your parents sign you up?
MA: I used to play for a local boys’ team, and my dad decided to sign me up. We then went to a training session not far from Colney.
Do you remember that day?
MA: I remember it well. We actually got lost on the way and ended up at a farm instead of the training pitch. Then my dad jokingly pretended I didn’t get in before revealing the acceptance letter. It was a memorable and heartwarming day.
If you were raised in the US, do you think you would have turned pro at a young age or chosen the college route?
VL: I believe I would have chosen the college route to establish a solid educational foundation first. Since a career is never guaranteed at any age, there’s always a risk of injury.
MA: I agree. There’s also the aspect of the college experience – many of my friends have gone through college and it seems like an enjoyable time alongside football. It’s a balance between academics and sports that we don’t have in England, which appears to be a beneficial combination.
When you’re in the academy, how much time are you dedicating to soccer?
MA: I devoted as much time as possible to both. After school, I would quickly change in the car, eat, do homework, and head straight to training. It was a continuous cycle, but it was all I knew.
VL: Initially, it began as a hobby and a passion, but as it became more intense and serious, I needed to find a balance. In the UK, the system requires balancing school and training, so I currently attend school and training sessions multiple times a week to strike a good balance.
Are you both lifelong Gooners – was Arsenal always the dream?
VL: Absolutely. Growing up in North London, it was always a dream to play for Arsenal, as everyone in the area supports either Arsenal, Tottenham, or Chelsea. Playing for your local or childhood club is a common aspiration. I always dreamt of playing for Arsenal and leaving a mark on the club.
Did you see women’s football as a possible career path when you were younger?
MA: Initially, no. My mum even assumed I would attend training sessions at Arsenal and return home. However, over the years, there has been tremendous growth in the game. It wasn’t until I was around 10-12 years old that the game experienced significant expansion. At first, I didn’t have a clear career plan for football, but circumstances evolved, bringing me to where I am today.
Was your experience similar, Viv, considering you joined the academy later?
VL: It was different for me. I always aspired to be a footballer or at least an athlete. I considered tennis, track, or football, but football was my true passion. I thought, “If I don’t make it in football, I’ll pursue tennis instead.” The desire to work in sports was always present. Football was my main ambition, but I wasn’t entirely convinced it was achievable. As a child, you believe anything is possible, so I didn’t truly think about it as a legitimate profession until later on.
How has your game evolved with more time at the senior level?
MA: At Arsenal, the precision of passing and movement is at a higher level. Initially, it was a shock, but I adapted quickly. I’ve enhanced my technical skills, focusing on passing, movement, teamwork. As a child, the tendency is to want to score multiple goals individually, but teamwork and assisting teammates have become key aspects that I’ve improved upon.
VL: Attention to detail is crucial at the elite level. In youth competitions, you may get away with less pressing or slower recovery, but in senior games, any lapses are penalized. It pushes you to perform at your best and sharpens you mentally. You must be aware of the game’s pace, identify triggers, which distinguishes senior football from youth competitions.
What is your favorite Arsenal memory?
VL: The standout memory for me was during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich when Frida Maanum scored a remarkable goal. I was a ball-girl and had a perfect view of the goal. Witnessing that incredible goal as an Arsenal fan in that context was truly unforgettable.
MA: For me, it was two seasons ago against Wolfsburg in the Champions League semi-final. I entered the game late, making my Champions League debut in front of 62,000 fans. The atmosphere was electric, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Having played against the Washington Spirit recently, how does the NWSL compare to the WSL in terms of game flow and approach?
MA: The transition element in the NWSL was notably rapid due to the athleticism associated with American sports. The game moved swiftly from start to finish, and the vibrant atmosphere was quite captivating. Fans even cheered enthusiastically for a corner kick, a sight I had never seen before.
VL: The game was fast-paced, with wide players constantly pushing forward. The physicality of the game stood out, reminiscent of how America is perceived athletically – powerful, fast, and physical. It may lack some technical finesse compared to the WSL but operates at a high level nonetheless.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
MA: Right here.
VL: In DC?
MA: Yeah, in DC. It would be amazing to return. Imagine.
VL: I aim to be at Arsenal, making my mark in senior football and showcasing my abilities. That’s the goal.
