Laurie's Life

By lozzabell8

  • Born

  • Kicked first football

  • First day at Worth Primary School

    The start of a seven year stint at nearby Worth Primary School.

  • Signed for Stockport County Football Club

    Earned a place in the professional club's School of Excellence system

  • First day at Poynton HIgh School

    Enrolled in the local secondary education establishment, following in older sister's footsteps.

  • Signed for Manchester CIty FC Academy

    Transfered for a sum close to $50,000 as an 12-year-old from Stockport County to Manchester City's youth ranks, the club I had supported since childhood.

  • Begins new Manchester City training program

    Entering the final two years of high school, I would miss two full days of classes per week to train intensively at Manchester City Academy alongside some of the worlds' most elite players of my age.

  • Switched vacation spots

    Family sold their caravan in the Lake District, where we had holidayed since I was born. Bought a new place by the sea in Abersoch, Wales. The area became important in my life and is where I learned to surf.

  • Graduated from Poynton High School

    Ended time at Poynton High, where I earned straight As and respresented the football, cricket and cross country teams.

  • Signs for Rochdale AFC Youth Team

    Having left Manchester CIty after not receiving a new contract, I signed for Football League club Rochdale AFC's Youth Team on a two-year full time apprenticeship program. While completing a college diploma, we trained every day and assisted the professional team by undertaking various duties.

  • Not offered professional contract by Rochdale AFC

    Having spent two years working towards professional contracts, the first team manager decided not to offer any youth team players an opportunity at the next level.

  • Competed in trial game

    Played in a 60 minute football game watched by scouts from all over the world. Numerous head coaches from US universities approached me, as did scouts from Sweden and Spain.

  • Enrolls at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

    Decides to pursue further education at UWM and compete on their soccer team. Touches down at Chicago O'Hare airport not knowing what or where Wisconsin or Milwaukee were. Stufdies Journalism and English and enrolls in Honors College.

  • Wins the Horizon League

    The UWM soccer team win their first conference champion for eight years. I earn First Team Academic and NSCAA All-American honors and Horizon League Player of the Year in same season.