Growing with the game in Arsenal Academy
Young-gun Arsenal talents Ruby Doe and Jessie Gale unpack new opportunities, sold-out stadiums, the pressures of success, and donning the red for Arsenal.
By Eleanor de Jersey
Photography: Jonathan Tomlinson
"To be able to go into school and tell everyone I am now an Arsenal player is something I will never forget," says 18-year-old Ruby Doe.
Two decades ago, the idea of young women pursuing professional football careers was a distant dream for girls lacing up their boots. But that dream became a reality for Ruby and Jessie when they received life-changing phone calls, signing with Arsenal before either of them had even turned 18.
As the game continues to go from strength to strength in the aftermath of the Lionesses' record-breaking Euros victory and enthralling World Cup campaign, the journeys of these two young Arsenal talents epitomise the evolution of growth within the women's game. From grassroots to the elite level, both girls have developed a skill set and mentality on and off the field, priming them to help Arsenal add to their bursting trophy cabinet.
We sat down with the players to discuss their journeys to Arsenal, what it's like growing up in a rapidly-booming sport, and what we can look forward to seeing from them in the future.
Coming of Age in the Women's Football Revolution
In 2002, the first female Arsenal players were promoted from amateur to semi-professional athletes—Ruby, 18, and Jessie,17, hadn't even been born yet. From the first WSL kick-off in 2011 to three sold-out matches, with over 60,000 fans packing Emirates Stadium in just over 10 years. Ruby and Jessie find themselves part of a generation of athletes rising through the ranks in a rapidly transforming landscape of opportunity, their pursuit of professionalism coinciding with the exponential growth of the game on and off the pitch.
Some saw the Lionesses' victory and flourishing interest in women's football as overnight successes. However, Ruby and Jessie don't take their opportunities for granted; they are buzzing to be a part of history as the game grows.
"It's such a fun and exciting time to be a part of the women's game in this generation,” says Jessie. "The high levels of attention that we are currently receiving only make me more motivated to succeed."
Wembley Stadium was packed with 87,192 fans for the Lionesses' historic Euros win, setting a record attendance for a Euros final, male or female. The success of the Lionesses' Euros didn't just bring football home; the campaign also provided 400,000 new football opportunities across schools, clubs, and communities for girls and women in the UK to participate in grassroots and legacy football, including opportunities to play, coach, and volunteer across the sport.
Following the Euros, the Lionesses' 2023 World Cup campaign again captivated the nation. Despite the 1-0 loss to Spain in the final, the Lionesses won the support of the UK. Although a heartbreaking outcome, this loss lays the foundation of inspiration and professionalism for the next generation of athletes, preparing them for success in international, domestic, and grassroots tournaments.
Two tournaments, within the space of 18 months, have redefined opportunities available for the future of players, coaches, media, fans and beyond. The World Cup final peaked at 14.8 million viewers across the UK, smashing the previous viewership record for a women's football match, the momentum of fandom continuing into the domestic leagues back on home soil.
Despite their young age and still awaiting their senior debut with Arsenal, Ruby and Jessie have experienced firsthand the shift in professionalism and engagement. Their journeys through grassroots and elite pathway programs have given them valuable insights.
"When I first started playing football, there was a lack of investment in the women's game," says Ruby. "However, now I can see how much it is growing from the better facilities, coaches, and equipment and the fans coming to watch women's matches."
Jessie's enthusiasm for the game's growth reinforces Ruby's observations, and she understands her privilege to be a part of a wave of success that previous generations worked to secure.
"It's such an exciting time to be a part of the women's game right now. There is so much attention and excitement around it, which fuels you with passion and determination to keep going. It's nice to be getting the recognition we deserve, which motivates me to improve and play in front of the sell-out crowds,” she explained.
A new generation of young female athletes is finally experiencing the positive effects of a system investing in their success. Academies and underage elite pathways are helping players like Ruby and Jessie be physically and mentally ready to step on the pitch when the opportunity arises and helping them balance away from football.
Living the Dream: Representing Arsenal
The phone call every young athlete dreams of came at a young age for Ruby and Jessie. It was a movie montage moment for Jessie, who cracked out her best dance moves the day she received the phone call from her head coach.
Jessie beams with a smile as she retells the story: "Signing for Arsenal was probably one of the best days of my life. After I had a call with my head coach, and they offered me a contract, I just remember dancing around my kitchen with pure joy."
Jessie's kitchen dance moves were not only celebrating signing her first contract, but she was now a part of the most successful club in WFA history, giving her even more reason to celebrate.
Ruby, who was only 12 when she signed with the club, has six years of experience in the Arsenal pathway. Her pride shines in retelling that phone call; it's something she'll treasure forever.
"I signed for Arsenal when I was in year 8. I was still a young girl, and it was one of the best feelings I have ever felt,” says Ruby. "To be able to go into school and tell everyone I am now an Arsenal player is something I will never forget."
Reflecting on their journeys, Ruby and Jessie's excitement for the future is palpable despite Arsenal's mixed results this season.
Fresh from claiming the 2023/24 Continental Cup in early April against traditional rivals Chelsea in a thrilling battle that was won 1-0 in extra-time, they have struggled with consistency across the 2023/24 season. Bowing out of the Women's FA Cup and a shock first-round exit in the UEFA Women's Champions League has made for a challenging 2023/24.
Despite the mixed results this season, you can't overstate the historical success and standards that Arsenal uphold. Sixty trophies across eight leagues in under 30 years, including being the only English club to win the UEFA Women's Champions League alongside 14 WFA Cup titles, is an unbelievable record. Ruby and Jessie have their goals set firmly on helping Arsenal add to their trophy cabinet.
Turning Pressure into Power
The adage "you need to see it to become it" is more tangible than ever for girls pursuing professional sports careers. With the Lionesses' recent successes and representing heavyweights Arsenal, Ruby and Jessie understand their opportunity brings with it the pressure to succeed and perform and the weight of inspiring the next generation of players like the women before them.
In a testament to their maturity and the support systems around them, neither shy away from the pressure of Arsenal or the Lionesses' success, viewing it as motivation rather than intimidation.
Jessie explains, "It can be pressuring at times because it is such a competitive environment. However, the pressure keeps me determined, and I use it as a positive in my training and games. Pressure can sometimes get difficult, but the support we have is brilliant, meaning it's managed."
Ruby adds, "There are moments in which I can experience some pressure as playing for a club this big, there is a lot of competition and lots of very good players. However, this pressure only motivates me to perform to my best and prove to everyone why I am at this club."
Neither player needs to look far for inspiration or advice on dealing with pressure at the highest level. The senior team boasts four current Lionesses and a squad full of experienced internationals, including 13 players who represented their countries at the last World Cup. They are a team that understands the challenges young women face when beginning a career in professional football.
Leah Williamson, a commanding Arsenal defender, stood out for the Lionesses during their 2022 Euros campaign and inspires self-described fiery defender Ruby on and off the field.
"Leah Williamson is a massive inspiration for me as she came through the academy system, got her pro, captained the side and also captained the Lionesses. She's a prime example to me that this is a possible dream to achieve if you work hard enough for it,” she said.
As Arsenal's leading scorer for the current WSL season, Alessia Russo became a household name during the Euros and World Cup campaigns. However, Jesse was a fan from the beginning, watching Russo dominate their shared local competitions in the age groups above her before both players joined Arsenal. Now training in the same jersey, Jessie's path feels clear, with Russo highlighting the possibility of making it to the world stage no matter where you start your journey.
Jessie emphasises, "Russo is from my area and has played for grassroots teams similar to mine. She has really inspired me to believe that you can make it, no matter where you start."
Looking to the Future and First-team Debuts
The focus for Ruby and Jessie is the remainder of their 2024 season, but they always have one thing in the back of their minds: a first-team debut.
Jessie voices, "It's definitely a dream of mine to play with the Arsenal first team."
Ruby adds, "To play alongside these first-team players would be an unbelievable achievement for me. I feel like I would learn so much from each individual, which would really help me to improve and learn from them."
Arsenal added to their long list of accolades in 2024, selling out the Emirates Stadium for the first time in WSL history. Over 60,000 fans packed their home ground to watch the team emphatically defeat Manchester United 3-1.
Arsenal fans were keen for more winning action, selling the Emirates out again in back-to-back fixtures. The side was victorious in the North London derby against Tottenham. The sold-out stadium is quickly becoming a fortress for the women's side.
Every young elite athlete dreams of making their first-team debut in front of a potential 60,000 fans. Ruby and Jessie have experienced the atmosphere from the sidelines and are eager to be on the pitch, feeling the support first-hand.
Ruby reflects, "Seeing the Emirates get sold out on not just one occasion but a few is an amazing experience. All of the girls and staff at Arsenal work so hard every week to achieve things like this, and seeing them being lived out is such an incredible moment. It's things like this that all little girl footballers dream of."
Jessie adds, "It's such an incredible achievement, and being at the game was amazing. It drives me on so much, as it's every footballer's dream to play to a sell-out crowd, especially at the Emirates."
Arsenal haven’t been afraid to blood rookies this WSL season, with 17-year-old Katie Reid being the latest player to take to the pitch during Arsenal's 5-0 demolition of Bristol City earlier in the month. With young players joining the mix, Ruby and Jessie are even more motivated to train at their best.
“When I Have a Ball at My Feet, Nothing Else Matters”
The added pressure, media scrutiny, and potential to play in front of thousands of screaming fans could easily distract two incredibly young and talented players. However, with the support of their team, they navigate through these challenges. While success may bring sold-out stadiums and trophies, Ruby and Jessie remain focused on the game. They don't play football for fame; they play because they love football. The pitch is where they feel most themselves; anything that comes with that is a bonus.
"Since I was four years old when I first started playing football, it's always been an escape, something that I can turn to to feel relaxed and stress-free," says Ruby. "It has always been a place to express my feelings."
Jessie agrees with Ruby that football is more than a game; it's part of her identity, adding, "Football, for me, is an outlet from life. When I have a ball at my feet, nothing else matters, and it's a way I can express myself and my personality. I am filled with adrenaline during games, and I never want the game to end."
What can we expect when we see them on the field? Jessie and Ruby can best answer that question.
Jessie shares, “I would describe myself as fast, explosive, and hardworking. I bring lots of pace to the team and leave everything on the pitch during games and training."
Ruby adds, "I am a very hardworking, fiery, and fierce player who will put 110% into every match and training session. I am definitely not afraid to get stuck in and make a challenge. I can also contribute a lot of goals and assists to a team."
Pursuing elite sport at a young age poses challenges and sacrifices that most of us won’t ever have to consider. After speaking with both young players, it's clear that Arsenal's future is in safe hands and on steady heads, with plenty of speed to burn on the pitch.
Arsenal are set to continue their 2024 WSL title chase, sitting six points away from top-of-the-table Manchester City and three points from second-placed Chelsea. Their next biggest challenge is a season-defining fixture against Manchester City on Saturday, May 5th, a match they must win to close the gap and break City's 13-game league winning streak.
As the game continues to grow and the spotlight shines brighter, Ruby Doe and Jessie Gale remain focused on their love for the game and the opportunity to contribute to Arsenal's success.
