AFC Bournemouth
Lucy Cooper is still only 16 years old, but you wouldn’t know it given her prolific goalscoring record within the AFC Bournemouth women’s first team.
She made her debut just under a year ago and, in that time, has scored 15 goals in 22 appearances for Steve Cuss’ side.
The striker is showing no signs of stopping and has her eyes firmly focused on the next few weeks, which sees the team have no fewer than four games in a row at home.
Next up is the visit of Larkhall Athletic and Cooper couldn’t contain her excitement when speaking with afcb.co.uk.
“It’s great to be back at home again this weekend and I think I speak for the team when I say we’ve really missed the home support,” she began.
“As a team, we take it one week at a time, always focusing on the game in front of us and we know how important it will be to get a win this weekend.
“We’re hungry for the three points and are ready to work hard to get the job done. It will be another exciting game.
“We have a couple of competitive fixtures at home over the coming weeks, including Southampton and Cardiff. We’re looking to build our momentum again to get the best chance of promotion this season.
“I’m looking forward to a game under the lights next Wednesday – it’s my birthday so hopefully I’ll grab a goal of two!
“The support we have received has been incredible and it doesn’t go unnoticed by the team. As we look to improve and win more games, hopefully the fans will continue to support and boost us on the sidelines.”
Cooper is keen to keep on improving, a vision that aligns with the team’s overall goals. She spoke on the new signings that have come into the side and the impact they’ve had on and off the pitch.
“As a club, our number one objective is to be the best we can be. In order to help do so, it was great to bring in some new signings this summer.
“They have all brought individual experiences and knowledge into the team and that has naturally strengthened the side.
“It’s also been amazing to see fellow youngsters like Holly [Humphreys] and Kaitlyn [Elliott] come into the first team set up and show their talent.
“From a striker’s point of view, the addition of Shannon [Albuery] has been really exciting and I’ve loved working closely with her. Hopefully we’ll continue to score more goals together.”
The youngster emphasised her targets for the season and explained how she continues to strive for better, taking advice from those more experienced players around her.
“My first priority when I came into the first team set up at the beginning of last year was to learn and improve. Any extra gametime or goals would be an added bonus.
“I’m lucky to play with so many great players and the likes of Helen [Bleazard] are perfect teammates and role models to learn from.
“In training, I have been privately working on my shooting with Helen and some of the other girls. She’s really helped develop my understanding and I’ve loved taking the time to listen and learn from her.
“I’m a bit of a nerd and crave knowledge and information, so I always ask the girls to tell me when I’ve done something wrong so I can improve it.
“I love the challenges that come with playing women’s football because it makes success that bit sweeter.”
Come along to watch AFC Bournemouth women this weekend as they take on Larkhall Athletic at Ringwood Town. Kick-off is 2pm on Sunday and entry, as always, is free.
