Amelia Freeman has become a staple in the Newcastle United squad for Subway Women’s League Cup matches.
And the midfielder says that following her first-team debut at the weekend, she wants to keep the attention of the coaches – including newly-appointed head coach Tanya Oxtoby.
“It’s now all about continuing to make a good impression in training,” she said to the club’s official website. “I want to keep working hard, impressing the coaches and impressing my teammates.”
Freeman came on in the second half against Everton on Sunday as the Magpies – still under the charge of interim head coach Claire Ditchburn – lost 3-1 to their top-tier opponents.
She posted photos of herself on social media with the caption: “A moment I’ve worked so hard for. Proud to make my senior debut for this club. A special day for me and my family.”
And she explained to the club website: “It was an amazing feeling. I think it just proves that all of the hard work I’ve been putting in over the past few weeks is paying off.”
And she dismissed any idea that she was nervous, saying: “I wanted to make sure I was doing my bit for the team, so while I was excited to get on the pitch and show everyone what I can do, I was just focusing on doing the basics right.
“Now, I know it’s all about going back into training and continuing to build on this because I know there is a lot more to do, and if I keep working hard, then more opportunities will come.”
Amelia Freeman: I love training with the first team
The 18-year-old also reflected on the benefits of being able to train regularly with the first team
“It’s been really good and a good challenge for me, and one that I think I needed to be able to take that next step in my career, and I’ve loved getting to go up against the girls every day in training.
“Knowing that these kinds of opportunities are potentially going to come your way, it does make you push that little bit harder because you want them to keep coming.
“So, I’m always going to be giving that little bit extra effort in training and hopefully I’ll get on the pitch more in the future.”
