The future's bright in north London as young centre-back Katie Reid has signed her first professional contract with the club.
"It just feels absolutely amazing. It's an indescribable experience," Katie said, speaking from the Arsenal boardroom. "It's such an honour to play for your childhood club."
After years around the first-team environment, the 18-year-old made her senior debut against Bristol City last season and went on to start against Washington Spirit on our first-ever US pre-season tour.
"Starting for Arsenal - that's such a big moment for me. I just want to take the opportunities when they come and do the best I can for the team, because I see the ins and outs and how much work goes into the team performing. So when you're on the pitch, you just want to work hard, not only for yourself, but for everyone else.
"I feel like so much has happened in a year. I feel like, as a person, you have to grow so much, and become adaptable to all the situations. Every single day, I've just tried to learn as much as possible from my fellow teammates, and just taken as much information in as possible."
Katie hasn't been alone on this journey either - sharing debuts and with the likes of Vivienne Lia, Freya Godfrey and Laila Harbert.
"It's so wonderful. And we're all on a journey together. We're all best friends. The experiences we're having all together are honestly amazing to share with them.
"The coaching staff, especially James Honeyman, have been really good for us. James has helped us so much in our development. The transition from academy to first team: a lot of players might struggle with it because it's a huge jump, but they've made that really, really easy for us."
Fellow Arsenal academy graduates Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy were on hand to congratulate Katie and our young Gunner shared how much that support means.
"They're honestly so inspiring, because it just gives you the belief that it can happen to you. You work so hard in academy football to get to these places, and they show you that ultimately, your dream can come true.
"All the centre-backs here, they're so good at different things, so I just want to take bits from their game and just try and improve my overall game as much as possible."
With an Emirates Stadium debut to look forward to, Katie's focus is still on taking each day at a time.
"Just at the time being, I want to work really hard in training to improve what I know I need to improve on. Hopefully getting some minutes, and then as I get older, work my way into the starting XI, and then ultimately, I want to win trophies with Arsenal. Tahat's the goal for the future."
To hear more from Katie, click the play button above.
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