Laila Harbert was over the moon to sign her first professional contract with us, which was announced on Friday.
The Young Gunner has been at Arsenal since the age of nine and has worked her way through the academy, making this a really special occasion.
“It's such a proud moment, not only for me, but my family and everyone else who helped me get here as well,” she said. “So, it's a really nice feeling.
“I think there's definitely been challenges along the way, playing up age groups, training with the boys, but ultimately, they just helped me get out my comfort zone. And it’s a real credit to the club to see so many of us coming through now.
“I’m really proud of us, and to be on this journey together is so special. Originally, we got a bit of stick for sticking together on our kids table, but now we’ve found our own and settled so it's really nice.”
Kim Little was cited as a big inspiration to Laila growing up, and she now gets to play alongside our club captain every day in training.
“I think the learning is so valuable,” she said. “Just comparing my stats to hers as benchmarks and knowing the levels that I need to get to, to earn the right to eventually play alongside her will be really valuable for me in the future as well.
“I’d say it could be quite daunting coming in as a 15 year old training with players that you're used to watching on the telly, but I think just finding your own and having that confidence and belief in yourself that you're meant to be there helps you feel really connected to the team and grow as a person and a player.
“One day, I’d like to become a regular starter and win trophies for this club.”
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