Four Impetus writers, Tara Murray, Ava-Marianne Elliott, Ben Gilby, and Elsie Nash identify and profile some of the best players aged 22 or under in the Championship this season (13/12/23).
Tara Bourne
Age: 20.
Club: Sheffield United.
by Tara Murray
Throughout the last three seasons, Tara Bourne has played her way through the Championship at Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, and Birmingham City while on loan from Manchester United. After a successful campaign last season at the West Midlands side where the Blues finished in second place, just one point below champions Bristol City, Bourne signed for Sheffield United in August 2023.
Bourne’s impact in the backline has been notable this season as she has become a regular starter for the Blades. So far this season Bourne has made nine starts, 10 appearances, and played a total of 820 minutes, with her presence as a strong and dynamic defender making her a valuable addition to the side. A notable moment from Bourne this season was her goal from Jodie Hutton’s corner in the Conti Cup against Sunderland.
Additionally, Bourne’s positive performances for Sheffield United this season led to an England call-up for the Under-23 age group in October where she made her first and walked away with a clean sheet. This successful international performance highlights her strength as a player not only within the realms of the Championship but that she also has the ability to shine alongside the best in England, solidifying her status as one of the brightest young players in the game.
Freya Godfrey
Club: Charlton Athletic (on loan from Arsenal).
Age: 18.
by Tara Murray
Since age 12, Freya Godfrey has been climbing the ranks of the Arsenal youth system and impressing at every step of the way. A powerful attacking midfielder Godfrey scored 13 goals in just 18 appearances in the WSL Academy League before making four senior appearances for Arsenal. Godfrey spent the 2022/23 season on dual registration at Arsenal and Ipswich Town in the FAWNL where she had a number of impressive performances culminating in her scoring the only goal for Ipswich Town against Oxford United in their last match of the 2022/23 season.
Over the summer Godfrey signed her first professional contract for Arsenal and then a season-long loan for Charlton Athletic. And this seems to have been the right move for the young player as, since the beginning of the season, Godfrey has built momentum, developing, and maturing as a player.
So far Godfrey has made 10 total appearances for the Addicks including her first start for the side in a 1-0 Conti Cup victory against Birmingham City. Despite only playing 284 minutes for Charlton so far this season Godfrey has already made two assists demonstrating her profound impact on the pitch. Additionally, Godfrey has made three appearances for the England Under-19s this season. Her ability and potential as a player is clear, and we can expect to see more quality performances from her throughout the season.
Molly Pike
Club: Southampton
Age: 22.
by Ava-Marianne Elliott
At 22 years old, Molly Pike is chalking up to be a real threat to any opposition. A dynamic and forward presence in Southampton’s midfield, Pike signed to the club in the summer after leaving previous club Leicester City for a new challenge this 23-24 season.
Despite the fact she sits within the younger bracket of players currently taking flight in the Championship, Pike is no stranger to big competition. Her experience across four different England youth teams, including captaining the under-19’s side, boasts a confidence on the international stage alongside her years of club experience spent with WSL sides.
This season, Pike has been a consistent appearance-maker for the Saints and a rock in their midfield. Her efforts for her side so far this season have been crucial in helping the team into their current spot fighting that sees them fighting for promotion. It’s also worthy to note that alongside her four Championship goals this season, Pike scored the opening goal in the Continental Cup tie against Arsenal in front of a record-breaking crowd at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Katie Reid
Club: Watford (dual-registration with Arsenal).
Age: 17.
by Ava-Marianne Elliott
Katie Reid, despite appearing just six times in the Championship so far this season, has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with in defence. Last season, Reid was brought into to the Arsenal first-team bench to provide reinforcement after injury crisis struck the squad, and this season we have seen her break out in the Championship on dual- signing agreement to Watford.
Alongside her club experience and time in the Arsenal youth teams, Reid’s international experience is a huge contribution to her abilities on the pitch in the Championship. She has represented England at three different youth levels so far, with her most recent time being spent with the under 19’s team. Throughout the under-17’s Euros tournament this previous May, Reid made four appearances and scored a header in the semi-finals.
With 494 minutes played so far this season for Watford, Reid is quickly and surely developing further as a player. The minutes she has spent on the pitch have seen Reid display exactly what she is capable of for such a young player, and as her career progresses, she is a player to keep eyes on moving forward to see where her defensive talents take her.
Lexi Potter
Club: Crystal Palace (on loan from Chelsea).
Age: 17.
by Ben Gilby
Epsom-born Lexi Potter is a supremely gifted midfielder with the confidence to shoot from distance to score rocket shots as well as an outstanding vision to bring her teammates into the play.
Potter has been at Chelsea since the age of eight where she was a key member of the side that won the U16 FA Youth Cup and FA Women’s Academy Cup. On loan this season at Palace, the midfielder has been a revelation. Her close control, rapid pace, and adventurous attitude in taking on and beating opponents make her a joy to watch.
The midfielder has also made her mark at international level. Part of the England U19 squad during this month’s window, Potter captained the England U17 side that reached the final of European Championships earlier this year.
Polly Doran
Age: 22.
Club: Crystal Palace.
by Ben Gilby
The Australian defender is now in her second season at Palace and has already established herself as a favourite with the fans in the same way she did at her previous club Melbourne Victory.
Doran is a hard worker as well as an elegant and extremely capable defender. Starting out in the third tier of the women’s game in the state of Victoria, the 22-year-old began moving up the pyramid to top tier Calder United who have a record of developing outstanding female footballers. Doran hit the headlines there as an attacker rather than a defender – with 14 goals in 29 games during the 2019 season – not surprisingly she was then approached by top A-League Women side Melbourne Victory.
Coached by former Crystal Palace hero Jeff Hopkins, Doran was switched to defence and soon became one of the A-League Women’s best full-backs. Her move to South London has been one of gradual improvement and now, once more she is a calming and strong presence in Palace’s backline – becoming one of the league’s key players as a result.
Lily Simkin
Age: 20.
Club: Birmingham City.
by Elsie Nash
Birmingham City’s 20-year-old defender Lily Simkin has been part of the scene at the West Midlands club for 10 years. Simkin’s huge promise has been reflected in international age group caps at U17 level. Making her debut in 2019 in Birmingham City’s WSL game against Brighton and Hove Albion, she remains a key part of the squad aiming for a return to the top level of the game in this country.
Mia Ross
Age: 20.
Club: Charlton Athletic.
by Elsie Nash
Mia Ross is a 20-year-old who joined Charlton Athletic from Liverpool. Ross’ initial campaign in South London two years ago saw her makeover 20 appearances and scoring against London City Lionesses. Her form led to a Young Lionesses (U23s) call-up where she featured in the squad’s goalless draw against Spain. This followed in the footsteps of her experience with England U19s where the Charlton star was included in the age group European Championship squad. During this tournament, Ross came off the bench and featured in the encounter against Norway. The starlet is a key part of Karen Hills’ squad that is pushing hard for a place in the WSL for 2024/25.
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