Soffia Kelly
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Soffia Gabrielle Kelly | ||
| Date of birth | 6 March 2007 | ||
| Place of birth | Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales[1] | ||
| Position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Aston Villa | ||
| Number | 40 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2024– | Aston Villa | 0 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2023–2024 | Wales U17 | 8 | (0) |
| 2023– | Wales U19 | 6 | (0) |
| 2024– | Wales | 0 | (0) |
|
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 17 July 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 17 July 2025 | |||
Soffia Gabrielle Kelly (Welsh: [ˈsɔ.fi.a]; born 6 March 2007) is a Welsh footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Women's Super League club Aston Villa and the Wales national team.
Youth career
In 2017, aged 10, Kelly joined the Wales South performance centre for girls.[2]
In March 2021, she joined the Elite Football Welsh Academy South, as a pathway to Wales youth teams.[3]
Club career
In March 2025, Kelly signed a two year contract with Women's Super League club Aston Villa. In doing so, she became the first player to sign with the club via the academy pathway.[4][1]
International career
In November 2023, Kelly made her debut for the Wales under-19s and England.[5]
In March 2024, Kelly was called up to the Wales national team for UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualifying.[6] She received further call-ups in May 2025, for UEFA Women's Nations League matches,[1] and in July, for Euro 2025 in Switzerland, after fellow backup goalkeeper Poppy Soper withdrew due to injury.[7]
Personal life
In November 2023, Kelly was completing a coaching qualification at Cardiff and Vale College in Barry, Wales.[5]
In October 2024, having been bullied in school for pursuing football, she won the Child of Wales Young Leader award.[2]
As of May 2025, Kelly is an ambassador for child safety charity Kidscape.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Atkinson, Chloe (29 May 2025). "Barry teen named in Wales squad for UEFA Women's Nations League". Barry And District News. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ a b Atkinson, Chloe (2 October 2024). "Inspirational teen who 'wouldn't give up' her football dream wins award". Barry And District News. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ Jamshidian, Harry (25 January 2023). "Barry girl overcame the bullies and mum's ill health to never give up on her dream". Barry And District News. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ Atkinson, Chloe (30 March 2025). "Barry teenager becomes the first female player to sign FAW contract". Penarth Times. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ a b Jamshidian, Harry (8 November 2023). "She did it! Girl who beat the bullies makes her international debut for Wales". Barry And District News. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ "Jess Fishlock: Rhian Wilkinson lauds 'iconic' midfielder going into Euro 2025 qualifiers". BBC Sport. 28 March 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ "Kelly replaces injured Soper in Wales Euro 2025 squad". BBC Sport. 12 July 2025. Archived from the original on 12 July 2025. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
External links
- Soffia Kelly at Soccerway.com