Aoife Sheridan | I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead
Swansea City Women midfielder Aoife Sheridan is relishing the opportunity to begin a new chapter following her move to the club.
The Republic of Ireland youth international joins the Swans from League of Ireland side Bohemians and will bolster the midfield options available to head coach Yzzy Taylor ahead of the new Genero Adran Premier campaign.
The 18-year-old has represented her country 16 times across under-16 and under-17 levels, while she has also gained senior club experience in Ireland with Shelbourne and Bohemians.
Sheridan has already had the opportunity to feature for her new side during pre-season and is now looking forward to getting to work consistently with the squad.
“I’m buzzing to be here," she said.
“Swansea is a huge club and the environment around the club has been brilliant so far. I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“The girls have been great so far and they’ve welcomed me straight in. Getting the chance to play some minutes in pre-season has been really valuable because I’ve been able to see how the team plays and what we expect from each other.
“I’m really looking forward to training with them consistently and getting to refine those little details.
“From the very first conversation I had with Yzzy, she was really encouraging and confident. She was one of the main reasons I was looking forward to coming here because of the belief and confidence she instils in the team, even in the younger players.”
Having progressed through the academy system before gaining senior experience with Shelbourne and Bohemians, Sheridan believes her time playing in Ireland has provided an important foundation for the next stage of her career.
“My time in Ireland was pivotal in my development. It can be a big jump going from academy to senior football, but playing against the top teams, you learn what you need to do and what it takes to be the best," she said.
“It’s every kid’s dream to represent their country and put on that jersey, so it’s always an honour. You get to play against some of the best players from around the world, while also developing tactically and technically.
With the new Genero Adran Premier campaign approaching, Sheridan is now focused on contributing to Taylor's side while continuing her own development on and off the pitch.
“It will be a big jump moving away from home, but I think it’s a great opportunity," she said.
"Education is something that is really important to me, so to be able to pursue both my football and my studies is really important.
“I’m an out-and-out six. I wouldn’t say I’m a flashy player by any means, but I’ll work hard for the team and look to do the basics well.
“The fact the team made it to a final last year shows the quality that is already here. Coming into the season, I want to help the team continue to build, pick up as many minutes as possible and keep developing as a player."