It’s not every day you sign your first professional football contract while finishing Year 12.
For Sofia, that’s now a reality. The 18-year-old goalkeeper has signed with Newcastle United Women in England, becoming the youngest Australian-born female to sign a professional football contract in the country.
Sofia joined Newcastle from the Football West Academy last season, having also played locally for Morley Windmills, Forrestfield United and Perth RedStar. Since arriving in England, she has been training regularly in the first-team environment and joining the squad on matchdays as third goalkeeper.
Getting to this point has taken plenty of hard work and commitment, both on and off the pitch. For Sofia, reaching this level has also meant finding a way to complete her WACE while navigating the demands of elite sport, training and life on the other side of the world.
That’s where The Studio School has been able to work around her. Sofia has continued her Year 12 studies online, in person and through Teams, completing school where and when she can. Rather than having to choose between her education and an extraordinary sporting opportunity, she has been supported to keep both moving forward.
“This means a lot, not just for me, but for my family as well,” said Sofia. “Newcastle is such a big name in football, and I think for the short amount of time I’ve been here, it’s been incredible.”
“My goals now are just about developing as a goalkeeper and playing as much football as I can and continue to be the best goalkeeper that I can be.”
And while Sofia may now be a long way from home, her family remains a big part of the journey. She credits their support with helping her get to where she is today, including her brother Orlando, who is completing Year 12 at All Saints’ College.
Sofia’s achievement is a wonderful example of how a more flexible approach to school can give young people the room to pursue opportunities that can take them as far as the other side of the world.
