Player Development Spotlight: Eloise Signs For London City Lionesses

Atalanta FC is proud to celebrate a significant milestone for one of our longest‑serving players, Eloise, who has officially signed for London City Lionesses. Her achievement marks the next step in a journey that began five years ago, when she first joined the club as a U7 player.

Across those five seasons, Eloise has consistently demonstrated resilience, ambition and a commitment to improving every aspect of her game. Her progression reflects both her dedication and the high‑performance environment she has embraced throughout her time at Atalanta.

“It is a great achievement and I am so grateful that Atalanta saw my potential at 7 years old and made me the player I am today,” Eloise said, reflecting on her signing.

A Pathway Built Over Five Years

Eloise’s development has been shaped by the standards she sets for herself and the challenges she has taken on within our programme. From technical refinement to tactical understanding, she has grown year after year, becoming a player who reads the game intelligently and makes quick, calm decisions under pressure.

“My biggest improvement at the club was how I read the game, and how to be prepared and make quick and calm decisions,” she explained. “Playing with really high‑level players every week has helped challenge me and helped me to become better.”

Her favourite memory with Atalanta captures both her competitive spirit and her love for the game:

“Our trip to France and winning the Mediterranean Girls Cup!”

A Development Pathway That Continues to Deliver

Eloise’s signing follows a long line of Atalanta players progressing into Professional Game Academies (PGAs). This season alone, players have earned opportunities at:

Chelsea FC

Southampton FC

Brighton & Hove Albion

These add to the club’s nine previous PGA signings, demonstrating the strength of our development model and the consistent standards achieved across age groups.

Beyond PGAs, Atalanta continues to see players move into professional club environments, including: Oxford United, Reading FC and AFC Bournemouth.

This breadth of progression highlights the depth of talent within the club and the effectiveness of our pathway in preparing players for elite‑level football across multiple professional settings.

Eloise now becomes the latest example of what hard work, commitment and the right environment can lead to.

A Family Environment

For Eloise, the Atalanta experience has been about more than football.

“I loved seeing my friends and coaches every week. We are like a family. Atalanta taught me so much which I will use always.”

Her advice to younger players coming through the club reflects the mindset that has driven her success:

“Never give up, be the best that you can be, and just enjoy it!”

Looking Ahead

Eloise’s ambitions for the future are clear and full of promise:

“I would love to become a professional footballer, and play for England and Arsenal.”

With her work ethic, attitude and the support of both Atalanta FC and London City Lionesses, she is well‑placed to continue her development and pursue her long‑term goals.

A Player We Are Proud Of

Eloise’s journey from U7 to signing with London City Lionesses embodies everything we value at Atalanta FC — commitment, courage and a relentless desire to improve. We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved so far and look forward to supporting her as she enters this exciting new chapter in her football career.

Congratulations, Eloise — the future is bright.