Iris is making her mark on the soccer world at just nine years old. After playing in boys’ teams since she was four, she’s now broken into English WSL Club Aston Villa’s girls’ team, where she’s enjoying the sport even more now. It’s been a long journey, but Iris is proving that passion and determination can overcome any obstacle, even when being the only girl on a team.
Iris’s football journey began in boys’ teams at Newcastle Town, DNA Academy, Eccleshall Eagles, and Eccleshall FC, with a brief time at Stoke City Girls. But her signing with Aston Villa’s girls’ team in September marked a significant milestone in her budding career. It’s one of the few opportunities she’s had to play with an all-female squad, a breakthrough for a young girl who has long been used to being the only girl on the pitch.
“Iris has always been in boys’ teams,” said her father, Kieran. “As she gets older, it’s something she’s had to overcome, being the only girl. But now, with Aston Villa, she gets to play with high-quality girls all around her. She just enjoys it even more.”
Her coach at Eccleshall FC, Dan Chell, recalled how, when Iris first started playing, some would comment on her being a girl on the team. “But once she played, it was soon quiet,” he said. “Now everyone knows Iris, and it’s completely changed. I’m convinced she’ll make it all the way.”
Despite her new role in the girls’ team, Iris continues to play with her local boys’ side, honing her skills and pushing her limits by playing up to six times a week. The support of her family and Aston Villa allows her to continue balancing both teams, something that her father believes will only aid her development.
Iris’s success is a testament to the increasing opportunities available for young female soccer players in England. With the Staffordshire FA’s recent focus on developing girls’ football and a nationwide strategy to grow the women’s game, there’s hope that stories like Iris’s will become more common. Dani Taylor, Women’s and Girls Football Participation Officer for the Staffordshire FA, noted that the proportion of female players in the region has been rising, with strong growth in grassroots coaching roles. As Iris’s story shows, the future of women’s soccer is brighter than ever.
