In the UK, the journey to becoming a professional soccer player usually starts at a young age.
Contrastingly, budding soccer players in the US often begin with local or travel clubs before progressing to high school teams, potentially playing in college, and then pursuing a professional career. Alternatively, a growing number of teenage players in the US are now choosing to sign contracts with the NWSL before completing their education.
On the other hand, in the UK, a young footballer’s path to success can kick off as early as five years old. The academy system is designed to support young players in their development towards securing an adult contract, with major clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham, and Chelsea offering full-time coaches, training facilities, and a structured match schedule for the youth programs. At age 18, the senior club either extends a pro contract to the player or releases them to explore opportunities with other teams.
The primary objective has always been to nurture and retain homegrown talent, with academies throughout the league producing stars for the WSL and the England national team such as Leah Williamson, Lauren James, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Mary Earps. This emphasis on developing talent has only intensified in light of the rapid growth in the popularity of women’s soccer in the UK post-Euros.
Academy life goes beyond just practice and matches, with senior clubs sometimes inviting academy players to travel with the team for international friendlies. This provides young players with exposure, bonding opportunities with the senior team, playing time on the field, and allows the coaching staff to assess their progress and integration with the club.
For instance, Michelle Agyemang and Vivienne Lia, two promising academy products, accompanied Arsenal FC on their recent tour of the USA. Agyemang, who recently signed her first pro contract with Arsenal after debuting at just 16, and Lia, who is still completing her school and academy training, shared their experiences during a friendly with Chelsea in Washington, DC.
How’s the trip going so far?
Michelle Agyemang: So far, it’s been great. We’ve had the chance to explore the city, see the monuments, and, of course, train. It’s also been nice spending time with everyone on the trip.
Viv, this is your second team trip after Arsenal’s Australia exhibition in May. How are you finding it?
Vivienne Lia: It’s been a fantastic experience. Compared to the Australia trip, this one feels more relaxed, but also more intense due to it being pre-season. We’ve been putting in a lot of work during this trip.
How old were each of you when you signed with Arsenal Academy?
MA: I was six years old when I joined.
VL: I was 14 when I became part of the academy.
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: It was pretty straightforward. You would apply online, attend a trial with many other girls, and if selected, you would move on to a second round. After these sessions, the club would notify you of their decision either via email or letter.
VL: My experience was similar. There were initial trials with many participants, followed by a cut-off for the second round. The process has now shifted to more training sessions rather than open trials.
Did your parents sign you up?
MA: My dad enrolled me in various local teams, including Arsenal. We then attended a training session not far from Colney, where I got selected.
Do you remember that day?
MA: I remember it vividly. We actually got lost on our way to the training pitch and ended up at a farm. My dad played a little prank on me initially, pretending I hadn’t been accepted, but then he revealed the truth with the acceptance letter. It was a memorable day.
If you were raised in the US, do you think you would have tried to turn pro at a young age or opt for the college route?
VL: I likely would have chosen the college route to establish a solid educational foundation before pursuing a professional career. The unpredictability in a sports career, such as injuries, requires a backup plan.
MA: I agree. The college experience, combining education with sports, seems appealing. It provides a good balance between academics and football, something not commonly found in England.
When you’re in the academy, how much time are you devoting to soccer?
MA: I devoted as much time as possible to both school and soccer. The routine involved heading straight to training after school, changing in the car, completing homework on the way, and resting on the journey back. It was a continuous cycle, but soccer was my passion.
VL: Balancing school and training is crucial, especially as you progress through the academy system. Finding a balance between education and soccer becomes more challenging as the level of play intensifies.
So you’re both lifelong Gooners — was Arsenal always the dream?
VL: Absolutely. Being from North London, supporting Arsenal was a natural choice. Everyone in the area has a local team they support, and playing for Arsenal has always been my goal. Making history at this club is a dream come true for me.
When you were younger, did you see women’s football as a viable career path?
MA: Initially, I didn’t perceive women’s soccer as a career option. Even my mom believed it was just a temporary activity. However, the rapid development of the game in recent years changed that perspective. The growing recognition and popularity of women’s soccer made me realize it could be a viable career path.
VL: I always aspired to be a footballer or an athlete from a young age. I had a strong passion for football and even had backup plans in case it didn’t work out. The evolving landscape of the sport eventually made me realize that pursuing football as a profession was achievable.
How has your game changed as you’ve gotten more time at the senior level?
MA: At the senior level, the precision in passing and movement is crucial. I’ve developed more technical skills, improved team collaboration, and focused on supporting my teammates. Scoring goals was the primary focus as a kid, but working collectively with the team is now a vital part of my game.
VL: Paying attention to details is essential in senior-level games. The game’s pace demands quick responses, smart recovery, and mental alertness. Understanding the game’s speed, recognizing triggers, and maintaining high levels of performance are key differences between senior and youth football.
What is your favorite Arsenal memory?
VL: One of my favorite memories is from a Champions League game against Bayern Munich, where Frida Maanum scored an incredible goal. I was ball-girling at that match, and witnessing such an amazing goal was unforgettable for me as an Arsenal fan.
MA: I have to mention my Champions League debut in a game against Wolfsburg. The atmosphere, playing in front of 62,000 fans, and the significance of the match made it a memorable moment in my career.
After playing the Washington Spirit earlier this week, how do you find the NWSL compares to the WSL? Is there a different flow to the game? A different approach?
MA: The NWSL game is characterized by its fast pace and athleticism, reflecting the American sports culture. The energetic atmosphere, especially from the fans, adds a unique element to the matches. The game dynamics differ slightly, but it’s an exciting experience.
VL: The speed and physicality of the NWSL games stand out. The focus on powerful and fast play is evident, while maintaining a high level of competition. The game may be less technical, but the intensity is matched at a top level.
Where do you guys see yourself in five years?
MA: Hopefully right here, continuing to play for Arsenal.
VL: I envision myself establishing a place in the Arsenal senior team, showcasing my skills, and contributing to the club’s success.
