AFC Bournemouth
Being selected for the AFC Bournemouth under-16 girls squad in July 2016 should have been a happy time for Sofia, but unfortunately it came coupled with the confirmation of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear, meaning surgery was imminent.
After being sidelined for 18 months, only able to support the team and progressions of her team-mates, Sofia has returned to playing for AFC Bournemouth, and marked the occasion with two goals in as many games.
We caught up with Sofia to find out how the journey back to the pitch has gone.
“I started last season and played a few games. In total I played three times, and scored two goals.
"This season, so far, I’ve been involved in four matches. I’ve had to take it slow, so 20 minutes at a time, but last week I played half a game,” Sofia told us, as she sheltered from the torrential rain at the under-16's half term training session.
She smiled as she said, “I played the last two games, I’ve started one and scored in both!”
After speaking about her recent success on the pitch, we took it back and looked at her road to recovery.
“Recovery has been hard. You have to take each day as it comes, you can’t rush it you have to take it slow," she continued.
“Finally being back, gives you a sense of achievement. I’m more confident now, a while ago I didn’t feel like I’d play again, let alone score goals.
“It has been a really long time. My teammates have been realty supportive. I started training gradually, but even when I couldn’t train they still made me feel part of the team. Perry, my coach, has supported me through it too.”
Sofia doesn’t see her recovery as a negative, as she claims to have enjoyed her rehab.
“I enjoyed the rehab, as I have seen improvements in myself. The worst thing was the first couple of weeks. I couldn’t walk, and had to learn how to do it again.
“It is a long recovery but when you’ve done it you feel more strong and confident in yourself.”
To finish, we asked Sofia for her aims for the season.
“I want to keep scoring, I like scoring. I want to be able to play a whole game without any fitness issues or injuries.
"My goals target is six, well maybe more. It felt really good scoring the first the other day, as I haven’t scored in ages, but to score in two consecutive games is amazing.”
Speaking to Head of Community Steve Cuss, he had high praise for Sofia: “We are delighted to see Sofia back playing and scoring goals.
"For any player, being injured is a difficult time but Sofia has dealt with this in a very positive way and has remained an integral part of the squad throughout the 18 month recovery time.
“We are all very proud of Sofia.”
Since sitting down for this interview, Sofia scored again in the recent 4-2 win against local side Mudeford Phoenix, making it three in three. Keep up the good work Sofia!
