Codie Thomas delighted to sign pro deal with Manchester City women

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Codie Thomas delighted to sign pro deal with Manchester City women  03/12/2024  CFGA, Manchester, UK

Transcript

00:00Cody, congratulations, a first professional contract, how does that sound?

00:04Yeah, it feels great, it's a super proud moment for myself and also my family.

00:08You're obviously from the local area in Stockport as well,

00:10so does that make it even more special?

00:12Yeah, definitely. I've been a City fan all my life, since being a little girl, so definitely.

00:18And to do it as well with other young players, the likes of Gracie, Lily, Eve, all in the senior side as well,

00:23does that make it even more special that you're doing it together?

00:25Yeah, definitely. Going through the journey together, it's great.

00:28We can support each other's highs and lows and help each other out.

00:32It's obviously an amazing achievement, but I suppose the hard work starts now.

00:36So what are you hoping to achieve this season and beyond?

00:39Yeah, definitely. I'm looking to develop as a player, but also a person,

00:43and hopefully get on the pitch at home.

00:46And how have the more senior players helped you settle so far? How important have they been for you?

00:50Yeah, they've been brilliant.

00:52Anytime I've needed advice or encouragement, they've always been there, pushing me on,

00:56trying new things, step out of my comfort zone and all that.

00:59Are there any players in particular that have really took you under the wing, or is it a big squad effort?

01:03It's a big squad. Everyone's lovely.

01:05And I suppose it also shows the real value that City place on academy players,

01:10the fact that you've had your opportunity. Lily's played a few games, Gracie as well,

01:13and Eve obviously is waiting in the wings as well.

01:15Yeah, being an academy player and coming up through the academy, I've always felt valued in that.

01:21And then finally getting onto the pitch, presenting the club at a senior level is great.

01:26And there's other players that are kind of an example for you,

01:29the likes of Jess Park, Kiara Keating, who are a couple of years ahead of you in terms of seniority.

01:33Have they been a bit of an inspiration for you and the other youngsters?

01:36Yeah, definitely. They're doing what I want to do, being in the starting XI,

01:39playing in important games, it's what I aspire to do.

01:42I suppose it was quite a weird feeling when you've probably watched them as a youngster

01:45and now you're playing alongside them. Have you got used to that yet?

01:48Yeah, well, it's still a bit crazy.

01:49I played with Kiara in a couple of training sessions in the academy

01:53and then just playing with her in the first team is crazy.

01:56And what about the facilities on offer to our younger players?

01:59How important do you think the City Football Academy has been in helping you so far in your career?

02:03Yeah, definitely. The academy is amazing.

02:05You get everything you ever need to progress as a player and as a person.

02:09You have the gym, the physios from such a young age. It's brilliant.

02:13And what conversations have you had with the manager and the other coaching staff so far

02:16about what they expect from you?

02:18Yeah, they're just expecting me to keep doing what I'm doing, develop, progress,

02:21as I'm only a young player, so it's just getting the little steps and stuff.

02:26So I suppose that's quite nice. It kind of takes the pressure off.

02:28It's just about enjoying and developing.

02:29Yeah, there's definitely no pressure. They just want me to be the best version of me.

02:33And you also had an opportunity at AFC Fylde on a dual registration recently.

02:36How important do you think those senior minutes were for you to kind of get used to things?

02:40Yeah, definitely. Playing in the Tier 3 against senior players was hard.

02:44It was a very big physical battle and a mental battle.

02:47But luckily I was able to overcome it and develop.

02:49It's something that other young players have had the chance to do.

02:52I mean, Kiara, for example, is one that also went to Fylde.

02:54So how important would you say it is for any young player to get those senior opportunities?

02:59Yeah, it's very valuable to your career.

03:02And then a few months earlier, rewind back to Australia.

03:05I mean, how was that experience for you and the other youngsters?

03:07Oh, it was an unforgettable summer.

03:09Like, I spent my 18th there. I got minutes against PSG, Leicester. It was brilliant.

03:15Some way to celebrate your 18th.

03:16Yeah, exactly.

03:18And off the pitch as well, how important do you feel it was to sort of help you bond with the rest of the squad as well?

03:23Yeah, it was really good, especially because we were there for two weeks.

03:26It was a great chance just to get to know the girls.

03:28Do you think it was really important in helping you all sort of transition really well into the start of this season?

03:32Yeah, definitely. It built some bonds with, like, the senior girls.

03:36I mean, it may well be an obvious question.

03:38What's been your highlight so far in a City shirt, do you think?

03:41Starting in the Champions League fixture against Poland.

03:44When I was walking out the tunnel, I was so nervous and I thought the nerves were going to get the better of me.

03:49But once I touched the ball, I was fine and then I couldn't stop smiling when I was playing.

03:53I kept catching myself just taking it in and looking round.

03:56But yeah, it was brilliant.

03:57And when did you and your family find out that you were going to be playing?

04:00Yeah, so it was the day before we went away and I was walking into analysis

04:06and Gareth pulled me aside and was like,

04:08you're starting tomorrow and I could not stop the smile coming out.

04:12It was brilliant.

04:13Oh, what an amazing moment.

04:14And how did your family feel as well when they found out you were going to be?

04:17Yeah, they were so proud and it's an honour starting in the City shirt for the senior team.

04:22I suppose as well the fact it's a Champions League game and it was a tough one as well.

04:26So being trusted as well must have been a great feeling.

04:28Yeah, it definitely was.

04:30And I suppose it gives you that hunger to push on and hopefully get more.

04:33Yeah, I definitely want more.

04:34I want to try and make my debut at the home pitch as well and the joy.

04:38Fantastic. And just finally, have you got a message for the City fans?

04:41And you're obviously one yourself, but how excited are you to be playing in front of them?

04:44Yeah, I'm really excited.

04:45I hope you all get to watch my journey and watch me progress.

04:49Well, Cody, I'm sure it's going to be an amazing journey

04:51and congratulations once again on your first Pro deal.

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