Soraya Walsh has discussed how she has grown as a player thanks to training alongside West Ham Women’s first team. The 19 year old was full of praise for Club captain Katrina Gorry, crediting the Australian international for helping her grow in confidence.

Walsh has been at West Ham for three years. The young midfielder put pen to paper on her first professional deal last summer coming off the back of a loan spell with Billericay Town in the 23/24 season.

Being part of the first team set and training alongside experienced pros on a daily basis has played a key role in Walsh’s development. The youngsters hard work was recognised when she made her first competitive appearance for the Club in the Women’s League Cup against Southampton back in December.

In her first outing in Claret & Blue, the 19 year old featured on the left wing and showcased her ability giving the Southampton defence a tough evening. Speaking to the Club’s media team after the Southampton game, Walsh described her first team debut as an ‘amazing opportunity’. “It’s been a really good experience being part of this team.” said Walsh, as reported by the clubs Official Website.

The midfielder went on to describe the benefits being around more experienced players has had on her own game, heaping the praise on Hammers skipper Katrina Gorry.

“I feel like I’ve developed so much as a player, just being around players such as Katrina Gorry.” Walsh added: “She’s (Gorry) just always told me to be myself on the pitch, she’s given me the confidence to play with no fear, and I feel that’s really helped me grow as myself and as a player.”

With West Ham Women having finished off the 24/25 season eight points better off than the previous campaign, Walsh believes the morale and close bonds within the squad were defining factors in a positive season for the Hammers.

“The team environment this year (has been great). Everyone’s together, we’ve worked really hard as a team and we get on really well, and I feel that’s really translated onto the pitch.” said the 19 year old.