Arsenal academy winger Vivienne Lia has signed her first professional contract with the club. Lia turned 18 in September, at which point she became eligible to sign pro terms.
Lia joined the club when she was 14 and made her full debut in last season’s Conti Cup quarter-final win against London City Lionesses.
To sign a professional contract at the club I’ve spent my whole life supporting is incredible,” said Viv. “I’ve worked so hard for this moment and I’m delighted to be continuing my journey at Arsenal. Now I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and I’m determined to take every opportunity to develop and grow.”
Head of Player Development James Honeyman added: “We are extremely proud of Viv and her journey here at the club. Despite only joining us four years ago, her dedication and commitment has allowed her to progress and gain valuable first-team experience, including a senior debut. Viv has so much potential and we will all be there alongside her to support her growth within the professional game.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Creating a strong pathway for our youth players into first-team football is a key focus for us at the club, so to have followed Viv’s journey and watch her sign her first professional contract is a proud moment for everyone. With Viv’s can-do attitude and determination to succeed, we’re confident she’ll continue to develop and grow as a professional footballer.”
Thank goodness.
Great news for club and player.
And just as you were asking about us getting a pacey winger too!
🙂
However, I think she might go on loan anyway.
Vivienne Miedema + Lia Walti, anyone?
Connection noted! Let’s hope she has a similar impact on AWFC.
Or: The best way to get into our team is by having some iteration of Lia in your name 😁
We appear to have had a good return from the Academy recently so something is going right behind the scenes. Any idea why it took so long for this deal, Tim? Viv’s contemporary graduates signed almost immediately reaching the qualifying age but this contract was well into will she or won’t she territory.
Marvellous news.
With 7 academy graduates given pro-contracts in the last 18 months compared to 3 in previous 12 years. I have to ask why? I’ve no doubt the latest crop are all great prospects but are so many of them of better quality than predecessors?
Perhaps the answer rests in the burgeoning women’s transfer market and the need to ring fence a potential revenue source.
Chavskis have been doing this for quite a while They’ve been stockpiling youngsters for years.