Cup success with the Under-16s, creating lifelong friends and making her mark at Under-19s – forward Grace Bellwood has enjoyed her time in the Academy so far and there’s still much more to come.
In the ‘Making of a Lilywhite’ series, we sat down with Grace to talk about her footballing journey so far and get to know her a bit better…
Footballing from a very young age…
“It all started when I was quite young. My brother was playing football with one of his friends and I asked if I could join in. He taught me how to back-heel in one of my earliest memories – I don’t know why that specific skill - but from then on, I just fell in love with the game.
“After that, I asked my dad to get me involved in a local football team so I joined a Saturday club, which was a great team. I played with them for a few years before joined a boys’ Sunday team, and that was quite a big step up, playing week in, week out.
“When I was younger, I did loads of other sports to keep active, especially swimming and tennis. I wasn’t particularly great at them, I just did them for fitness, but it has always been football for me.
“I just try to watch every single football game there is. My idols were players like Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo. If they’ve got lots of goals in them and strong attributes, that’s all you can ask for.”
Joining Spurs and creating a lifelong friendships…
“After a couple of years with the boys’ team, an opportunity came up at the Spurs Development programme. I trained there alongside my Sunday team, and eventually the trials for Spurs came up. I trialled for it, got in, and from that point onwards, I’ve been here. I joined at Under-14s level.
“I’ve had so much support along the way to be where I am today, especially from my friends. Eloise [Summers-Mee] has been with me from day one, we’ve progressed together through the age groups, and I’ve been really fortunate to have her by my side.
“I’ve also had high-quality coaching from loads of different people, notably Chris [Gillman] and Micah [Walters], who were my very first coaches at Spurs. From my very first training session, they’ve given me valuable advice and a firm mindset to help me maintain good habits - on and off the pitch. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t be in the position I am now without their unwavering support.”
Success with the Under-16s…
“It was obviously very disappointing to not play in the cup final last season, but I felt like I had a big impact on the games leading up to it and still had a big role in the squad to help support my team-mates and cheer them on.
I think Eloise scored one of the first goals in that game, and she came to celebrate with me. We’d spoken before the game and she said, “If I score today, I’m coming to celebrate with you.” That showed that were so connected as a team, and that ultimately helped us achieve success on the day and win the trophy. It was an unforgettable day and one I won’t forget for a very long time.”
Making that step up to the Under-19s…
“Having Sabiha [Jamal] again as a Head Coach, after the success we had last season with the Under-16s, really helps. It’s comforting to know a coach that understand us - not just as players but as people. It helps express ourselves, on and off the pitch.
“The intensity, for sure, has been a big step up from last season, which I expected. But I feel like I’ve come into the group with a lot of self-belief. I trust my ability, and I think I’ve shown what I can do so far - though I still have more to prove. I’m quite combative. I show flair and I feel I’ve got a good striking ability, though I need to show that more – whether that’s taking more shots and being more decisive.”