From Fourth Tier to WSL Star
Lucia Kendall, a 22-year-old Aston Villa Women midfielder, has experienced an extraordinary journey from the fourth tier of English football to becoming a key player for both her club and country. Within just 12 months, Kendall has established herself in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and even scored her first international goal for England.
Kendall's rise is particularly remarkable given that she began playing at Southampton's youth academy at the age of 11, eventually becoming a regular in their first team. Despite the challenges posed by the early years of Southampton's women’s team, Kendall credits patience and consistent training as crucial factors in her development.
A Special Call-Up
In October, less than two months after making her first start for Aston Villa, Kendall received an unexpected call from head coach Sarina Wiegman. The phone call was a surprise, but it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career. Kendall made her first senior international appearance at Derby’s Pride Park, where she played 90 minutes and was named player of the match in a 3-0 victory against Australia.
Kendall's third cap came back home to Southampton's St Mary's Stadium, where she scored her first England goal. The moment was deeply personal for Kendall, as it brought together her family and friends who had supported her throughout her journey. This game at St Mary’s will always stand out to her, not just because of the goal but also due to the emotional significance of playing in front of those who have believed in her.
Future Ambitions
As she prepares for the upcoming season with Aston Villa and the approaching World Cup in Brazil, Kendall is setting ambitious goals. She aims to take on a more influential role at Villa, where they have signed seven new players ahead of the 2026-27 season. Kendall wants to be more involved in creating opportunities and scoring goals, moving beyond her initial role as a prolific attacker.
‘Once I really feel comfortable in an environment, which I do here now, I want to be able to give as much as possible,’ she says. ‘I want to have more influence. Sometimes, I can have a good game but we still do not get the result we want. I want to change that, get into higher positions and take more risks now that I feel comfortable, rather than playing more safe.’
Kendall's journey from Southampton’s youth academy to Aston Villa and then to the England team is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. As she continues to grow as a player, her ambitions are clear: to stay with the England squad and contribute more effectively at both club and international levels.
