Liv Johnson

As Harrogate Town Women prepare to take on Chester le Street Town Ladies at The EnviroVent Stadium today, we spoke to one of the emerging talents in our Women’s set up, 17-year-old Liv Johnson, and found out how she will be fulfilling a dream this afternoon when she steps on the pitch... Words: Brody Pattison

“My first memories of football were playing at primary school with the lads on the top tennis courts and at the start of year seven when I was 11/12 years old. After that, I started playing for Scotton Scorchers, a local club that provide Girls football coaching from U6 to U16. I have supported Harrogate Town for a number of years watching both the men’s and women’s team, but I like the way Man City play so I support them as well.

“Someone who I want to aspire to be like is Lauren Hemp and other similar players, who are good with the ball at their feet.”

Liv’s love for the club even resulted in her setting up an Instagram page dedicated to the Women’s team, while she worked her way up through the ranks of the Town Player Development Centre.

“My journey through the football club first started at the PDC when I was 12/13. I trained there until I was 16 before moving up to playing with the under 16’s at town for a season and continuing on a season later with the under 17’s and eventually getting the opportunity to play for the reserves team last season.

The current 2022/23 season saw Liv given a chance in the first team, with the winger having started every game to date.

“I have learnt a lot already being involved with the first team. Whether that has been keeping the ball better and improving my first touch, which is a very important aspect in the game because you need it quick off the mark to the beat the players. This league has also taught me to be more physical and to use the players around you better.”

With the Women’s team under new management this season, an early opportunity to play in front of the fans at The EnviroVent Stadium is something Liv always dreamed of.

“It is massive, I’ve grown up watching Town so to be able to play on the same pitch as them is an amazing opportunity. The team is really excited for it and we all can’t wait for the big occasion.

“The new management team of Reese and Rob are brilliant, they’re taking on us as a new team which is always quite difficult, but they’re really helping so far. They’re figuring out how we play and how to get the best out of us.

“It has been hard for the team as we’ve only known each other for a couple of months but the squad is getting on well and we’re is excited for the season ahead.”

With the season only a few games in, Johnson has already set her ambitions for the season and beyond, with this Summer’s Lionesses’ success inspiring her along the way.

“For this season we want to do well In the league as a team and from a personal point of view it would be great to get a few goals and assists myself. In the future, I’m hoping I can work my way up the leagues and hopefully get the chance to play for a professional team.

“The England team’s success was massive, it has shone a light on the women’s games which has been needed as the game has been progressing but the success of the lionesses has progressed it further. It has shown the country that women can play football, and that we can play it at a high level. Speaking from personal experience getting involved in football will be the best thing you will ever do!

“The sport is amazing and it gives you the opportunity to create new friends through football. Football is something that can provide so many benefits and makes you happy especially when you step out onto the pitch.”