Arsenal have announced that Cecily Wellesley-Smith has signed her first professional contract with the club.
Wellesley-Smith is an 18-year-old defender who came through the youth system at Oxford United. She joined the Gunners in August 2024 and played a key role in helping the team win the 2024/25 PGA League Under-21 Division One title.
In recent months, she has also been training with the women’s first team and spent the past season on dual registration with Oxford United in the FA Women’s National League South, making 16 appearances in total.
“I’m so proud to sign my first professional contract with Arsenal,” said Cecily.
“During my time here so far, I’ve loved learning from some of the best players and staff in the game and gaining an understanding of what it means to represent this great club. I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard in order to keep progressing and building as I begin my journey in the professional game.”
**Head of Player Development James Honeyman added**: “Cecily has been at Arsenal for just over a year and has shown determination and passion for both the club and for football. We’re all proud of Cecily’s journey, especially the steps she has taken to begin her transition to the senior environment. We’re all looking forward to supporting Cecily as she continues her development in red and white.”
According to [Kathryn Batte](https://x.com/KathrynBatte/status/1937873743025758313), both London City Lionesses and Aston Villa have submitted bids for Freya Godfrey. The attacking midfielder joined Arsenal at age 12 and made her senior debut in May 2023 against Brighton, signing her first professional contract a month later.
Godfrey has gained valuable experience during loan spells at Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic, and most recently London City Lionesses.
Source: [Arsenal](https://www.arsenal.com/news/cecily-wellesley-smith-signs-professional-contract)