As the Women’s Super League season edges ever closer, Notts County Ladies defender Sophie Bradley has more reason than most to be excited.
Following Lincoln Ladies’ move to Nottingham ahead of the WSL expansion, 24-year-old Bradley will now be playing in her hometown.
And the England international admits she never dreamed of having the opportunity to play top-flight football in the city she grew up in.
“For the past 11 years I’ve had to travel to play football,” said Bradley.
“But with the club being just down the road now it’s perfect for me and for my family as well.
Bradley was a member of the 2012 GB Women's Olympic team
“When I heard the news I couldn’t believe it and I was counting down the days until the training sessions with Notts started.”
Over the past few years Bradley has combined football with part-time work in a Nottingham care home owned by her family.
Now playing football on a full-time basis, she can focus entirely on a career that has already seen her represent Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Bradley is still a regular visitor to the care home, though, even if the residents would prefer to see her in Nottingham Forest colours.
She said: “Rather than just playing football over the park with my dad, my boyfriend or my brother I’m training with the girls every day instead so I’m really enjoying it.
“We only get Wednesday off but with it (the care home) being family-run I can still nip in on a daily basis and see all the residents.
“When I heard the news I couldn’t believe it and I was counting down the days until the training sessions”
Sophie Bradley
“Because the care home is in Nottingham, everyone’s always asking me ‘why haven’t you signed for Forest’ and I have to explain that Forest aren’t in the WSL.”
Bradley did begin her career at Nottingham Forest before moving to Leeds United where she finished as a runner-up in the FA Women’s Cup in her first season, 2006, and again in 2008.
Bradley’s aim this season is to go one better with Notts County while also grabbing a top-three position in the WSL 1.
And she believes some of the signings made by boss Rick Passmoor will stand them in good stead.
“We’ve signed Ellen White from Arsenal, one of the top goalscorers in the league and for England as well,” added Bradley.
“We also have Desiree Scott from Canada who won a bronze medal at the Olympics. She’s got a lot of experience to share with us all.
“We’ve signed Rachel Unitt who I’ve played with a lot of times for England. She’s just coming back from an ACL tear but I’m really excited to play alongside her. “She’s a great character and a really lovely girl so we’re looking forward to having her on board with us.”
