Jackson turns pro
We are delighted to announce that Sophie Jackson has signed her first professional contract with the Club.
A product of our Academy, Sophie has made impressive progress since joining us as an Under-14 and has trained and travelled with our women’s first team squad on a number of occasions over the last three years.
Sophie said: “It's a proud day for me and my family. I think it's something everyone dreams of growing up playing football.
"For now I want to keep pushing, keep supporting the other two goalkeepers and prove to Martin [Ho] and Willco [Ian Willocks, First Team Goalkeeping Coach] the player that I am. Then further on in my career, I hope to make my debut and become a regular in the starting XI."
Head Coach Martin Ho said: “We’re delighted to see Sophie sign her first professional contract. This is an important milestone in her development, and we’re excited to support her as she takes the next step and continues to challenge herself within our first team environment.
"Having both Sophie and Jhanaie Pierre sign professional deals is a strong endorsement of our academy’s progress, and the work of the staff supporting our young players. We want every player in our academy to see a genuine route into senior football here, with clear standards, the right support and opportunities they can earn. These contracts show that our pathway is becoming increasingly strong and gives the players coming through something tangible to aspire to.”
The goalkeeper, who turned 18 earlier this month, has featured in match action for our Under-19s this season while continuing to train with senior stoppers Lize Kop and Selma Panengstuen.
She was first named in our women’s first team matchday squad in 2024/25, a campaign which also saw her captain our Under-16s side to the Professional Game Academy Trophy.
In May, 2026, Sophie impressed in our inaugural World Football Sevens campaign, starting alongside a number of senior players against Aston Villa and Manchester United.
On the international stage, Sophie has represented England at Under-19 and Under-20 levels to date.