Cecily Wellesley-Smith signs first pro contract with Arsenal

IANS June 24, 2025 274 views

Cecily Wellesley-Smith, an 18-year-old defender, has signed her first professional contract with Arsenal. She has been with the club since 2024, coming through the youth system after starting at Oxford United. Cecily has already made a mark by helping Arsenal's Under-21 team win a league title and training with the first team. Her journey reflects her determination and passion, and she's set to continue developing under Arsenal's guidance.

"I'm so proud to sign my first professional contract with Arsenal." - Cecily Wellesley-Smith
London, June 24: Cecily Wellesley-Smith has signed her first professional contract with Arsenal. An 18-year-old defender and England youth international, Cecily joined Arsenal at the age of 17 in August 2024, having progressed through the youth system at Oxford United.

Key Points

1

Cecily Wellesley-Smith joins Arsenal's professional ranks

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Helped Arsenal Under-21s win 2024/25 league title

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Dual-registered with Oxford, made 16 appearances last season

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Experienced England youth international with several tournament appearances

During her time at Arsenal, Cecily helped the Gunners under-21s win the 2024/25 PGA League Under-21 Division One title and has trained regularly with the women's first team in recent months.

"I'm so proud to sign my first professional contract with Arsenal," said Cecily.

"During my time here so far, I've loved learning from some of the best players and staff in the game and gaining an understanding of what it means to represent this great club. I'm looking forward to continuing to work hard to keep progressing and building as I begin my journey in the professional game."

Cecily spent last season on a dual-registration agreement with Oxford United in the FA Women's National League South, making a total of 16 appearances.

Head of Player Development James Honeyman added, "Cecily has been at Arsenal for just over a year and has shown determination and passion for both the club and for football. We're all proud of Cecily's journey, especially the steps she has taken to begin her transition to the senior environment. We're all looking forward to supporting Cecily as she continues her development in red and white."

Cecily is an experienced England youth international, having represented her country at the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship in Sweden in May 2024 and the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic in October 2024.

Director of Women's Football Clare Wheatley said, "Everyone at the club is thrilled to see another young player sign professional terms with us. Cecily has a fantastic work ethic and attitude, and we have no doubt these will stand her in good stead as she continues to grow and develop here at Arsenal."

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Great to see young talent getting opportunities! Arsenal's women's team has been doing well in recent years. Hope Cecily gets to play alongside stars like Beth Mead soon. Indian women's football could learn from such youth development systems. 🇮🇳⚽
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Priya M.
At just 18, she's already played in international tournaments! That's some achievement. Makes me wonder when we'll see Indian players getting similar exposure at youth level. Our girls need more investment in grassroots football.
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Arjun S.
The dual-registration system with Oxford United seems like a smart approach - gives young players match experience while still being part of a big club. Maybe ISL teams could try something similar with I-League clubs for our young talents?
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Neha V.
While it's great to celebrate her achievement, let's not forget most Indian girls don't even get proper football grounds to play on. First we need basic infrastructure, then we can dream of professional contracts abroad. Still, inspiring story! 👏
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Vikram J.
Arsenal's women's team is building something special. Their focus on youth development is impressive. Hope AIFF is taking notes - we need long-term planning like this for Indian women's football to grow.
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Sanjana P.
As a football coach in Mumbai, I see so many talented girls who never get the right opportunities. Stories like Cecily's show what's possible with proper support systems. Maybe one day we'll have our own Indian player signing for top European clubs!

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Cecily Wellesley-Smith Arsenal Women's Football England Youth International Oxford United Women's Football News