Issy gets call up to her dream team

A teenage footballer from Aylsham is celebrating promotion into the Norwich City Women team.

Lifelong Canaries fan Issy Moore is thrilled to make it into the team and is getting plenty of competitive match play after progressing through the Community Sports Foundation development programme.

FLYING HIGH: Issy Moore is delighted to have been promoted to the Norwich City Women team. Picture: NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB

Now, the midfielder and left-back has her sights fixed on helping her side to win the league, then, in the future, playing in the Women’s Super League and for the England Lionesses like her local hero Lauren Hemp.

Issy, 17, has been on the City books as an academy player since she was seven – and also combines more football training with lessons at Langley School.

She is now studying sports and psychology in the sixth form and gets coaching from the Langley Football Academy and Canary legend Grant Holt, who is director of football at the school. She is is also making three trips a week to train with Norwich City Women.

Issy, who scored her first goal for the team last month, said the women’s team players and staff are hugely supportive and friendly, adding: “They are a great team promoting a positive, supportive yet competitive environment.”

She said: “Being coached by Grant has been amazing. He has a great sense of humour and taught me so many things including shooting tips and how to use your body when receiving the ball or to beat an opponent.”

Grant said: ‘We are delighted with Issy’s progress during her time in the Langley Football Academy, culminating in her now being a first team player for Norwich City FC Women.

“She is beginning to realise her vast potential and showing everyone her skill-set, in particular her high technical ability and willingness to receive the ball and beat players 1v1.”

Norwich City Women’s head of football Flo Allen said: “Since joining the women’s team environment this season, Issy has shown incredible dedication and work-rate towards her continued development. We look forward to supporting Issy with her continued footballing journey.”

Issy is one of only a few academy players to make the grade into the senior team, where she is one of the youngest.

Getting a call up to the senior team was a “dream come true – because it’s where my heart is,” she explained.

Her coaching sessions at Colney see her working on game plays, fitness, nutrition, mental attitude, and doing physical recovery in the pool and ice bath.

Mum Tracy-Ann said: “Issy’s schedule is challenging, combining study with football, but it’s worth it, and we are all very proud of her.”
Elder sister Mianna, 20, who has played in goal in Norwich City’s youth ranks, is pleased Issy has gone further.

Issy is pictured with her mum Tracy-Ann. Picture: RICHARD BATSON

Sporty Issy has also played hockey, rugby and taken part athletics and cross country, which saw her get an England trial. But she hopes football is her future and is passionate about raising the profile of women’s football and being a role model for her younger peers.