Tottenham tie down 18yo goalkeeper who joined the club at Under-14 level to first pro contract

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Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · To The Lane And Back ↗

Tottenham Hotspur Women signed 18-year-old goalkeeper Sophie Jackson to her first professional contract, according to To The Lane And Back. Jackson joined the club at the Under-14 level and has spent three seasons training with the first team. She is an England youth international and has already earned a senior bench spot. The competition for the goalkeeping spot is getting fiercer under coach Ian Willocks.

Jackson has been developing her skills since joining Tottenham at Under-14 level and has captained the Under-16s to the Professional Game Academy Trophy. She started games against Manchester United and Aston Villa at the World Football Sevens, earning England caps at Under-19 and Under-20 levels. Jackson expressed her pride in signing the deal, calling it a childhood dream and hoping to make her debut soon. She aims to challenge for the number one shirt.

Tottenham boss Martin Ho believes that signing academy players like Jackson and Jhanaie Pierre to professional deals shows the youth coaches are doing a great job. Ho stated that this milestone is an important step in Jackson's development and provides a clear path for younger players in the academy. Jackson will continue playing for the Under-19s for now, but her debut is getting closer. The club wants every player to see a genuine route into senior football.