1- New Beginnings

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Chapter 1: New beginnings

Kyra Cooney-Cross signs with Arsenal

@kyracooneyx posted

@kyracooneyx posted

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@kyracooneyx: Hey Gooners
@caitlinfoord: here she is👏👏👏
@stephcatley: ausenal
@katrinagorry10: congrats kywa

Kyra

The hum of London Colney was different in September, the air crisp and every blade of turf seeming to challenge her to prove herself. Kyra adjusted her hair and took a deep breath. This was a new chapter after Sweden, a new club, a new country.

"Kyra! Over here!" Steph Catley called from the goal line, waving. Caitlin Foord jogged up beside her, laughing.

"Steffy! Caitlin! It's so good to see some familiar faces," Kyra said, jogging over. "I was starting to think I'd be completely lost."

"Aw Kywa, I missed you! You'll be fine i promise," Caitlin said. "The others are sound. Just... don't get on McCabe's bad side, she's a proper Irish firecracker."

Kyra laughed. "Can't wait to meet her then."

Steph smirked at her. "And try not to be a pest this week, 'Pest.'"

Kyra rolled her eyes playfully. "Steph, come on... it's just day one!"

"You know I'm right," Steph teased. "But that's why we love you."

Later that day, she met Alessia Russo, who had arrived at Arsenal two months earlier. Alessia was warming up, stretching lightly in the late afternoon sun.

"Kyra! You must be the Aussie Steph warned us about," Alessia said with a grin, jogging over. "I'm Alessia."

Kyra laughed. "Hey Alessia, It's nice to meet someone who's still settling in too. Makes me feel less like the newbie."

Alessia winked. "Exactly. We'll figure it out together. Trust me."

By midweek, Kyra was introduced to Teyah Goldie, a young defender with an energy and drive that mirrored Kyra's own.

"Hey, you must be Kyra!" Teyah said, smiling. "I think we're about the same age. Don't let the seniors scare you off, they're intimidating at first, but they're decent."

Kyra grinned. "Thanks, I'll try to survive. But it's good to have someone around who might get the chaos of being the new kid."

"You're in luck," Teyah laughed. "I thrive on chaos."

Training was intense, and Kyra noticed Leah Williamson, England captain, observing from the side. Later, after a small tactical break, Leah came over.

"Kyra, good to have you on board," Leah said warmly. "I know the transition from Sweden might be tricky, but just play your game. Arsenal's about working together, supporting each other."

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