The AFT is delighted to continue our sponsorship of Argyle players for both the men’s and women’s teams, this year supporting our new keeper, Poppy Soper.
We had a chat with Poppy to give her a platform to introduce herself to the Green Army.
What got you into football in the first place?
I started playing football from a young age because of my Dad and older brother. It just started as having a kick about whilst watching my brother train or play matches.
Then I joined a team and haven’t really stopped since. Even when I wasn’t playing for a team, I’d be playing in the garden, even just kicking the ball against the wall. If I had time to play football I would be.
Why keeper? Are there any goalies who have inspired you?
I was a keeper when I first started playing football, mainly because I was tall. However, I then played outfield, mostly playing centre-back and occasionally centre-forward.
This is when I first entered the Welsh set-up, playing for the under 15s. When I was 14 or 15, some of my coaches at the time asked if I would try going back in goal. I agreed and obviously it was the right decision because of the progress I’ve been able to make with the support of all the coaches who’ve helped me.
What’s the best save you’ve ever made?
Honestly, none of them really stand out for me, I just try to do my best every game.
What’s the best match you’ve ever been to or attended?
The best match I’ve ever been to was the Women’s Champions League final in Cardiff in 2017.
I was only 15 whilst watching and it really inspired me to keep working and hopefully, one day play myself in a game as important as that. It was a great match and incredible to see players of that standard so close to where I’ve grown up.
Apart from Argyle, do you support another team?
I support Arsenal, as I have done from a very young age and I always will!
What do you enjoy doing when not training or playing?
I am currently studying law at the University of Exeter alongside my footballing commitments. So, in between all of that and also playing for the uni team, I don’t really have a lot of free time.
How well will the team do this season?
We’ve had a tough start to the season playing some of the better teams in the league, as well as some weeks without our full squad.
Also, with the new players that have come in this season, we’re still settling in and getting to know how each other plays. These last few weeks, despite the results, have been very positive in terms of performance and hopefully, the start of us getting back on track and testing teams that maybe we weren’t able to last season.
With the progress we’ve made already this season as a team we can definitely finish in a strong position in the league.
Good luck to Poppy, Amber and the rest of the Argyle Women’s team this season!
