indu Teen Athlete Sponsorship Programme

Omotara Junaid

Key facts:

Age: 18
Sport: Football
Position: Midfielder, Captain

Instagram: @omotarajunaid

How did you get into football? 

"When I was younger, I used to sit by the sideline watching my older brother play football at his local club back in Florida, USA. One day I asked my Dad why my older brother always got ice cream after every match. He explained how it aids recovery and I immediately decided it was better playing and getting ice cream than sitting and watching from the side-lines. And the rest is history!"

What do you love about your sport?

"I love the overall competitiveness; showing off my technical skills, teamwork and the discipline required to excel in football. Also it’s the chance to inspire other young female footballers to be the very best version of themselves."

What is your proudest sporting achievement(s) to date?

"It would have to be when I made history with the England National Team, being finalists in the European Women U17 championship, as well as featuring in the FIFA U17 Women World Cup. We became the 4th best team in the world!

Another achievement was when I earned the “Invincible” tag by going undefeated in the 2022/23 U16 league while winning the FA Youth Cup, all in one season!

I’m really proud to have made my Arsenal Women First Team debut and being named the Captain of the Arsenal Women U21 team, both at age 16."

Any future goals and aspirations?

"To win Premier League club titles, Champions League, Continental trophies and the FIFA Women’s World Cup."