Jorja Fox is itching to get started with the Addicks after joining the club on loan from Women’s Super League outfit Chelsea until the end of the season.
The 18-year-old full-back, who becomes Karen Hills’ first signing of the winter window, is now relishing the second half of the FA Women’s Championship campaign having already enjoyed two training sessions with her new team-mates.
“It feels so good to be a Charlton player,” admits Fox. “I’ve watched the team play over the course of the season and I’ve been really impressed with the football they’ve been playing. The group is really driven and I think Karen has created a really good environment, so I’m really excited to be a part of that. I can’t wait to get started.
“The team has been really welcoming. It’s a great group of girls and we’ve had two good sessions, so now we’re just ready to kick off the second half of the season now.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to continue my development,” adds the Kingston upon Thames-born defender. “I want to help the team, obviously, and I want to use the experiences I’ve gained to help the team but also continue my development and take it to the next step.
“I’ve had a few conversations with Karen. I think she just expects confidence on the ball and getting forward. Obviously, I’m a full-back so I like to whip in crosses, so that’s what she’s looking for but obviously I need to do my defensive duties as well. I just can’t wait to get started playing with the team, I’ve got some good connections in there already.”
The Addicks are back in action at The Oakwood in Crayford on Sunday. Click here to purchase your ticket.
Naturally, Fox possesses flair in the attacking third having been a former freestyler, though the youngster explains she takes as much gratification in her defensive diligence.
“I’d say I have a bit of flair going forward,” she says. “I like to put a few skills in there and whip in some crosses, but then I like to take pride in my defensive duties as well. So, expect some good defending, but also expect me in the final third a lot as well.
“I freestyled a bit when I was younger for about two years,” Fox continues. “I mean I was always in the garden playing football but then I saw a couple of videos on Instagram and gave it a go. Then, me and my friend both started at the same time, so we were pushing each other and it was really fun. I’ve still got a few of the skills, but I’m not as good as I used to be! I think my best trick is a double around the world.”
A product of Chelsea’s illustrious academy, Fox navigated her way through the Blues’ Regional Talent Club (RTC) in Cobham from the age of eight before putting pen-to-paper on her first professional deal on her 18th birthday.
“I trialled at Chelsea when I was eight and got in,” she reveals. “I’ve been working my way through the RTC ever since and last year I did the whole season training with the first-team. I was then awarded my professional contract in the summer, which was a really proud moment for me. It’s what I’ve worked towards that whole 10 years.
“I’ve gained a lot of experience playing with a lot of good players, so I’m looking to take that learning and experience into the games to help the first-team and continue my development here.”
Asked for the highlight of her Chelsea career thus far, Fox answers: “I have to say my WSL debut, that was literally a dream. I wouldn’t have wanted it any differently.
“Playing against Servette in the Champions League was an amazing experience, too. There was a massive crowd. It was a great game to play in.”
The Addicks are back in action at The Oakwood in Crayford on Sunday. Click here to purchase your ticket.