Issy’s Football Journey from Langley to Norwich City Women

From a young girl kicking a ball around at Langley Prep School to being part of the first girls’ football team at Langley and helping Norwich City Women secure promotion, Issy M has achieved so much through hard work, passion and determination.

Before she finished her final year in Sixth Form, Langley’s Director of Football Grant Holt, sat down to speak to her about her journey. Watch the full interview here. 

Embracing Sport Opportunities

Sport has been a huge part of Issy’s life at Langley from the moment she joined the school. Before football became her main focus, she threw herself into everything from hockey and cricket to netball, making the most of all the opportunities on offer.

Looking back on those early years, Issy said:

Individual Development for Every LFA Player

Over the years, Issy developed through the Langley Football Academy (LFA), taking every opportunity to challenge herself. Her progression reflects one of the core aims of the Langley Football Academy: to help every player develop as an individual.

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, we give players opportunities and challenges appropriate to the individual and their game. For Issy, this included training in different environments, playing alongside boys and girls, and being continually encouraged to test herself against strong opposition.

When speaking about the sessions, Issy said:

Balancing Football with Academics

As Issy’s football commitments increased, so did the demands of school life. Combining training and matches with her academic studies required discipline and organisation, particularly during her GCSE years.

“It was quite difficult during GCSE years, but I did remain super disciplined and organised throughout. And the coaches would let me have sessions off if I needed to do the work. But I was always organised so I could play the football which was my main priority.”

That ability to balance the two has been central to Issy’s progress. At the LFA, we’re passionate about supporting ambitions both on and off the pitch, with coaches working closely with players to always ensure the right balance. This is reflected in the three words Issy used to describe the school: “passionate, inspiring and professional.”

Realising Her Dream

Throughout her time at Langley, Issy has always had the ambition to represent Norwich City. Having progressed into Norwich City Women’s first-team environment, Issy has had the opportunity to wear the club’s colours, play at Carrow Road and score as part of a successful promotion campaign.

When asked what her next goal is, she said:

Issy may have finished her time at Langley as a pupil and player, but she will always be part of the Langley community, and we can’t wait to see where her career takes her.

Want to find out more about Langley Football Academy? Book a tour or visit us at an upcoming open day!