AT THE age of nine Abby Clarke’s footballing talent was recognised when she trialled for Everton and 10 years’ later, she has signed a professional contract.
Abby, 19, from Rising Bridge, attended St John’s School, Stonefold, when her aunt suggested she try out for Everton.
She said: “They were holding open trials there were lots of people there. I just went for it and then they picked me to be one of 16 players and I have stayed with the same club throughout.”
While a student at Haslingden High School, she helped her school team to win the Lancashire Cup and playing for the Lancashire U14s and U16s teams she twice won national titles.
Abby, who is an attacking midfielder, said: “I went to Carmel College for two years and did double PE and Criminology, which I preferred to PE, and I got told by someone that, as an adult, I would get signed.
“It is a bit of a leap but now I have a professional contract, I will be playing with the first team and not playing with the academy.
“A typical day for me will be breakfast at 10am and training to lunch, then a gym session. It is full time, it is tough and takes some getting used to.”
Abby has been ill and so missed some matches including the derby match with Liverpool, but she hopes to be match-fit for the home tie against Manchester United on October 22.
She said: “I would love to play for England one day, especially as Keira Walsh went to Haslingden High School too.
“Eighteen months ago, if someone had told me I would be here, with a first team contract. Although I have always believed in myself, it is nice when others also have confidence in you.”
She previously played for Accrington Girls and for a year was with grassroots team the Badgers.
For anyone thinking about a career in football, Abby said: “If you enjoy it first and foremost then go for it, but if you are not getting pleasure out of playing don’t.
“Always make sure it is something you enjoy if you want to make a career out of it because you will have to work hard and train hard.
“Everyone’s journey is different.”
While a student at Haslingden High School, along with her mum Lisa Bloor, Abby successfully campaigned to overturn a Football Association plan that would have restricted talented female footballers from playing for their own school sides if they also played for a top UK club or academy.