Sophie Harwood could barely hide her excitement as she signed her first professional contract, marking a defining milestone in her young career and reinforcing her determination to keep progressing at Arsenal.
The talented full-back, who arrived from Southampton in 2024 after seven formative years, has already begun carving out her path in north London, making her debut during pre-season against Tottenham in August 2025.
Since settling into life at Arsenal, Harwood believes the club provides the perfect environment to elevate her game.
Speaking after committing her future, she reflected on the significance of representing one of the most iconic names in women’s football.
“I think Arsenal paved the way for women’s football for so long and they’ve really been pioneers of the game,” she said. “So just being able to play for such a historic club, it means so much to me.
“I think every time I wear the badge, I just try and do my all and wear it with pride because it’s such a special club with such special people.
“I think it means everything. I think since I started playing football, this was always one of the goals I wanted to achieve. So being able to do it at such a special club, it means so much to me and my family. It’s a really proud moment.
“I saw my shirt with Harwood 44 on the back, which adds up to eight, my lucky number. It was the number I wore when I played for England, so I was really happy and to be able to have my family here as well, I think it’s a really nice moment.
“I think all they’ve done for me over the years, sacrificing everything to take me all over the country, I think it’s so nice. So to be able to repay them is like a really nice feeling.
“I’ve been with the first team the whole season, which has been incredible. I think being able to train day in, day out with world-class players, I learn so much every single day. I try to take in everything I can and take little bits from other people’s games into mine. So it’s a great experience every day.
“Everyone has been really welcoming. Everyone’s been lovely. So it’s been a good integration with the team. I think Kim [Little] and Lotte [Wubben-Moy] have been really helpful in terms of integrating me.
“I think they always check in on me, see how I’m doing, which is really nice. I think their professionalism is amazing to look up to.”
With her first professional deal secured and strong foundations in place, Harwood now looks set to push on and make her mark in Arsenal colours.
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