Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Abi Chipperfield spoke to us recently about her experience so far as a centre-back, discovering her resilience and looking up to a particular Arsenal and England star.
I grew up in a town called Stotfold, where I still live with all my family. I picked up playing football myself at school by playing with all the boys. I quickly joined a grassroots club - Stotfold Juniors Football Club - where I played from five years old all the way to 15.
The team was just made up of boys, helping me develop the physical aspects of my game, which are pretty important for a centre back. The focus on the super-technical side of football came when I joined Arsenal.
The journey began when I was training with Bedfordshire FA and, from there, they advised me to try out with Arsenal. I was only seven and remember feeling very nervous about the trials, but it went pretty well, because I got in!
Being at Arsenal for so long now, I've made some wonderful friendships. It's so great to play football with people that I've grown up with because we've experienced so much together.
I really think that the close relationships I've made with the people have helped me improve on the pitch too, because I have so much support.
Across the past eight years, I'd say my favourite Arsenal moment was definitely wearing the Arsenal shirt for the first time. It was a really proud moment for my family and me, especially with all the sacrifices people have made to get here.
The trophies we've won over the years have been special too, especially the JPL Cup last season, which I was joint captain for. I quite enjoy the pressure of the captain's armband, having to be the one everyone looks up to for support and communication while also motivating yourself.
I always pride myself on being a good team player as well, being supportive to all my teammates and trying to help them, whatever the situation is. When we all work together it makes the team perform at their highest level to hopefully bring the successes we deserve.
"My favourite Arsenal moment was definitely wearing the Arsenal shirt for the first time. It was a really proud moment."
As a centre-back, I'm pretty good at reading the game, so I can visualise plays and pick the passes out that are needed. I really like being one of the players who stops the opposition from scoring.
Sometimes defenders can be overlooked and we're not really seen for what we do, but I think stopping a goal is just as important as scoring one!
This season I'm working on driving out with the ball more. There are individualised sessions that focus on how I can improve that, and the coaches are constantly trying to push me to put my learnings into matches.
I've had a few minor injuries in my time here, but last year I had quite a major health scare, which meant that I missed an important final that I was scheduled to be captain for. I'm alright now and that experience made me realise how resilient I am. I didn't really know that about myself before going through something scary like that.
Having such an incredible senior squad at our club is a huge motivator for me as I continue my development as a footballer. All the success that our first team have had, historically and recently, makes it incredibly easy to look up to them.
Lotte Wubben-Moy, in particular, is a real inspiration for me. Not only does she play in my position, but she's also an advocate for things off the pitch, plus her hard work and determination through times are traits I aspire towards.
As for myself, I want to keep pushing towards senior football over the next few years. Whether that's going out on loan or just trusting the process and working my way up through the academy, I'm not sure yet, but it's what I'm hoping for and strive to achieve.
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