In each matchday programme, we speak to a former Spurs player to look back at their career and get their thoughts on the current side ahead of our seventh season in the WSL.
Next up, it’s forward Riana Soobadoo who is now playing an important role in the next generation of players at the Club…
What were your first memories when you joined the Club?
“One of my first memories was just how close-knit and unified the team was. We didn’t have many resources or top-level facilities at the time, and opportunities in the Women’s game were still quite limited, but what we did have was a real sense of togetherness. Everyone wanted to do well, not just for themselves, but for each other and for the badge. We were all balancing full-time jobs or studies alongside football, which was a real challenge, but that shared commitment brought us even closer. Once that foundation was in place, the success slowly started to come - and it made those achievements even more meaningful."
Talk us through your journey with the Club?
“I joined Spurs in the 2014/15 season when we were competing in the FA Premier League South Division. We finished mid-table that year and in the following season, 2015/16, we had a similar league campaign, but the highlight was winning the Premier League Cup as we beat Cardiff City in the final, who were one of the strongest sides in our division.
“That win gave us a real boost going into the next season. From there, everything started to come together for us. We went on to achieve incredible things, winning the league, and the play-off final against Blackburn to secure promotion to the WSL 2. It was a journey defined by growth, built on hard work, commitment, and pure determination of the team to unify and achieve something special.”
How was it playing under the lights at White Hart Lane to win the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division title?
“That night is still so clear in my memory. It was a midweek game under the lights, with our family and friends there to support us, and we knew that three points would secure the league title. What made it even more special was knowing it would be the final Women's match ever played at White Hart Lane, so we wanted to make history in more ways than one. It was an unforgettable night. We beat West Ham 3-0 to win the league and it remains my favourite moment of my football career.”
Another favourite memory while wearing the Lilywhite shirt?
“It has to be our win over Blackburn Rovers in the play-off final. We’d lost to them in a cup match the season before, so we knew just how tough the challenge would be and how much was at stake. That game meant everything to us after the season we’d had. We ended up winning the game and secured promotion to the Women’s Championship which was such a proud moment for the team, the club, and everyone who had been part of the journey.”
What have you been doing since your time at the Club?
“Since leaving the Club, I’ve had two beautiful children who have definitely kept me on my toes! I returned to football and spent three enjoyable seasons playing for Royston Town FC before recently deciding to hang up my boots for good. This year, I’ve come full circle and returned to Spurs, now working with the Women’s Academy as part of the Administration & Operations team - a new challenge that I’m really enjoying so far.”
How does it feel to help inspire the next generation of players at the Club?
“It feels incredibly rewarding. Coming back to work on the girls’ side of the Club has been an eye-opening experience. Seeing the next generation of players develop and progress, knowing I played a part in helping lay the foundations and pathway for them and for the Club is something I’m really proud of.”
Having played lower league football, how much of a growth have you seen in the Women's game?
“The growth in the Women’s game has been incredible. When I started playing, the visibility, resources, and opportunities were limited compared to what there is now. Playing in the lower leagues there is still the challenge of balancing full-time work or studies with training in the evenings and travelling on weekends - just to play the game we love. Now, there’s been real investment, improved facilities, media coverage, and professional pathways that didn’t exist before. Young girls involved in football now can actually see a future in the game. It’s been amazing to witness that transformation and to know the game is only going to keep growing.”