By Reading FC

Product of the Reading Academy rises through the ranks

Reading FC Women’s hard-earned win on Sunday away at West Ham was noteworthy for another reason other than a first-half goal for Lauren Bruton and a penalty save from keeper Grace Moloney.

On the 80th minute, Amalie Eikeland made way for a debuting Emma Harries, product of the Reading Academy, a player that has been with the club since the age of 8.

Harries has been a Royal for a decade, having joined as an Under-9, and been nurtured through the top-class Reading Academy System.

In the fifteen minutes Harries had on the pitch against West Ham on a rainy afternoon in Dagenham, she looked dangerous down the right-hand side, both holding up the ball and breaking through down the wing, causing the West Ham defence problems from the offset.

“It was a very proud moment for both myself and my family, after being at this club since I was 8 years old,” Harries said. “I have learnt so much being with the first team full-time and they have definitely helped me in achieving my debut. Now I want to continue learning from the best so that I can make more appearances in the future.”

Last season saw the first team debuts of two more academy players in Kiera Skeels and Sophie Quirk, proving how strong the academy pathway is at Reading Football Club.

Women’s Academy Manager Rob Gier said, “Having worked with Emma for the past three season it is no surprise she has made the jump up to first team. There have been many ups and downs along the way but her dedication to achieve her goals have been remarkable.

“She’s another product of the Academy system and further proof that with the right mind-set, hard work and dedication, players can achieve their footballing ambitions whilst also attaining a solid academic foundation.”

Reading FC Women are next in action this Wednesday evening when they take on Charlton Athletic in the opening Group D fixture of the Continental Cup for a 7.30pm kick-off at Madejski Stadium.