In the UK, the journey to becoming a professional soccer player typically starts at a young age.
Children in the US usually begin playing for local or travel clubs before progressing to high school teams and possibly college before going pro. Recently, however, there has been a growing trend of teenage players signing contracts with the NWSL before completing their schooling.
In the UK, a talented footballer can start their path to success as early as five years old. The academy system is in place to nurture young players on their journey to securing an adult contract. Professional clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea, and others provide their youth programs with full-time coaches, training facilities, and a match schedule. Once players turn 18, the senior club either offers them a professional contract or releases them to seek a spot on another team’s roster.
The primary goal is to support and develop 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. Elite teams are now placing more emphasis on this due to the significant rise in the popularity of women’s soccer in the UK.
Academy life involves more than just after-school practices and weekend matches. When senior clubs participate in international friendlies, they often invite academy players to join them. This provides opportunities for young players to gain exposure, bond with the team, and gain playing time, while allowing coaches to assess their progress and integration with the club.
Michelle Agyemang and Vivienne Lia, two promising academy products, recently accompanied Arsenal FC on their USA tour. Agyemang, 18, signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in May after debuting at age 16 in November 2022. Lia, 17, is still completing her schooling and academy training, having played with the senior club for the first time in February 2024.
Last week, JWS had the opportunity to speak with the England U19 standouts in Washington, DC ahead of Arsenal’s friendly match against crosstown rivals Chelsea to learn more about their journeys from childhood Arsenal fans to academy superstars and beyond.
How’s the trip going so far?
Michelle Agyemang: So far, so good. It’s been enjoyable exploring and training. It’s great being around everyone as well.
Viv, this is your second team trip after Arsenal’s Australia exhibition in May. How are you finding it?
Vivienne Lia: It’s been great. The trip to Australia was more hectic due to the fans, but this trip has been more relaxed. However, it’s been intense as it’s pre-season, so we’ve been training a lot more compared to the postseason trip.
How old were you both 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: Back then, you applied via a website, attended a large trial with around 30 girls, did some training, and if successful, progressed to a second round with fewer participants. It was quite straightforward: two sessions and then you’d receive an email or letter with the outcome.
VL: My experience was similar with a trial system involving one or two rounds. The first round had many girls, which gradually decreased in the second round. Now, there are no open trials, and players attend training sessions instead.
Did your parents enroll you in the Academy?
MA: I was playing for a local boys’ team, and my dad decided to sign me up. We then attended a training session not far from Colney, where the academy is located.
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. My dad even teased me at first, pretending 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 pursued turning pro at a young age or chosen the college route?
VL: I would likely opt for the college route to establish a strong educational foundation first. A career in sports is not guaranteed at any age, and having an education is essential.
MA: I agree. The college experience seems appealing, providing a balance between education and football. Unlike in England, combining education with football is not common here, so it’s an aspect I would find beneficial.
When you’re in the academy, how much time do you dedicate to soccer?
MA: I devoted as much time as possible to both schooling and training. After school, it was a rush to training, engaging in various activities in the car, and then heading back after training. It was a continuous cycle, but that was the lifestyle I knew.
VL: As a child, football was both a hobby and a passion. However, as you grow older and the commitment increases, finding a balance between education and training becomes crucial. In England, you must balance school and training, so I currently attend school a few times a week while also training.
You’ve both been Arsenal fans for life – was playing for Arsenal always the dream?
VL: Absolutely. Growing up in North London, supporting Arsenal has always been a dream. It’s what everyone aspires to – representing their local or childhood club. Playing for Arsenal and making history with this club was always a goal of mine.
When you were younger, did you consider women’s football a viable career path?
MA: Initially, no. My mom recently mentioned that she thought I’d just attend a few training sessions at Arsenal and return home. However, the rapid growth of the game in recent years has changed perceptions. Around the age of 10-12, when women’s football started gaining more popularity, I began to see it as a potential career. Initially, I didn’t have a clear plan for football, but things evolved, leading me to where I am now.
Was your experience similar, Viv, considering you joined the academy later?
VL: My perspective was different. I always aspired to be a footballer or athlete – whether in tennis, track, or football. Football was my primary passion, but I wasn’t entirely certain about pursuing it professionally. As a child, you believe anything is possible, so I never doubted the potential. It wasn’t until I grew older that I realized football could become a professional career.
How has your game evolved with more time at the senior level?
MA: At Arsenal, the focus is on precision in passing, movement, and teamwork. Initially, it was challenging but adapting was key. I’ve improved technically, emphasizing passing, movement, and collaboration with teammates. Rather than solely aiming to score goals individually, emphasizing teamwork has been a significant improvement.
VL: Paying attention to details is crucial at the top level. In youth football, you can get away with certain lapses, but at the senior level, those shortcomings are penalized. It demands consistent effort and mental alertness to keep up with the pace of the game and recognize different cues – a key distinction between senior and youth football.
What is your favorite Arsenal memory?
VL: My favorite memory is from a Champions League match against Bayern Munich where Frida Maanum scored an incredible goal. I was ball-girling for that match and had the perfect view of the goal. It was a memorable moment witnessing such an amazing goal, especially as an Arsenal fan.
MA: Two seasons ago, we played Wolfsburg in the Champions League semi-final at home. It was a significant game, and I made my Champions League debut by coming on late in the match. The atmosphere with 62,000 fans was incredible.
After playing the Washington Spirit recently, how do you compare the NWSL to the WSL? Is there a different game flow or approach?
MA: The American game is associated with athleticism, resulting in a rapid game transition from start to finish. The energetic atmosphere was intriguing, with fans even cheering loudly for corner kicks. This vibrant environment was a unique experience that I appreciated.
VL: The pace of the game was intense, emphasizing quick runs and physicality, especially from wide players. The physical aspect of the game was prominent, reflecting the athletic reputation of American sports. While it may be less technical, the game remains at a high level.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
MA: Right here.
Right in this room?
MA: Yes. (laughs)
VL: In DC?
MA: Yes, in DC. It would be amazing to return. Just imagine.
VL: I share the same vision: Establishing myself at Arsenal in the senior game and demonstrating my capabilities. That’s the goal.
