Cowley's Journey To Arsenal: A Tale Of Talent And Tough Love

Our former player, Isabella Cowley, the 15-year-old football prodigy, has officially signed a two-year contract with Arsenal. The move marks a significant milestone in a journey shaped by dedication, family support, and a formative period with our club, Atalanta FC.

A former Essex County player and England U16 captain, Isabella's path to the Gunners was anything but straightforward. We are proud to have been a crucial phase in her development. It was here that she was coached by her father, Colchester United boss Danny Cowley, and honed her skills playing against boys' teams.

"I played for a team called Atalanta FC where we played against the boys and played Saturday and Sunday every week, so it really helped me improve," Isabella said. She also shared how her father's "tough love" coaching style, which she experienced at our club, made her more resilient and ultimately brought out the best in her.

The centre-half's decision to join Arsenal came after careful consideration of offers from multiple clubs. She highlighted Arsenal’s understanding of her playing style and their clear plan for her future as key factors. The move also aligns with her family’s plan to relocate back to Essex.

Isabella is now focused on her future with Arsenal, aspiring to continue her hard work, improve her game, and secure her place in the England national team. She acknowledges the growing opportunities for women in football, stating, "The women's game is growing all the time and I'm just lucky to be part of it... I feel like there's more potential for first-team opportunities in the future.”

With her father’s coaching philosophy and her mother’s background as an international athlete, Isabella's family has provided a strong foundation for her career. As she embarks on this new chapter with Arsenal, she carries with her the lessons learned at Atalanta FC, a period of her life that forged the resilience and talent now propelling her to the top tiers of the women’s game.