This article explores how Kyra Cooney-Cross's rigorous off-season training, including a unique camp with young male Arsenal talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Josh Nichols, has prepared her for a significant role in the upcoming Arsenal season. It highlights her dedication, the lessons learned from her training partners, and the renewed optimism for her club and national team careers.
Forging Excellence: A Season of Growth and Ambition
A Summer of Transformation: From Celebration to Preparation
Kyra Cooney-Cross experienced a whirlwind summer following Arsenal's unexpected triumph in the Women's Champions League. Beyond the celebrations, her time was dedicated to crucial preparations, including a return to her Australian roots, her first comprehensive pre-season with Arsenal since joining two years prior, and pivotal discussions with both club and national team coaches. A significant highlight was the unexpected but impactful bond formed with Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Portugal Training Initiative: A Unique Collaborative Effort
Cooney-Cross recounted her week-long training excursion to Portugal with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Josh Nichols, both promising talents from Arsenal's men's academy. She described it as an immersive 'family camp' where they shared meals, engaged in intensive strength training, and honed their footballing abilities together. This collective environment fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual development.
Building Bonds and Learning Together
Cooney-Cross spoke highly of Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old who made a remarkable first-team debut last season, referring to him as her 'best mate' and a 'brother'. Despite being four years his senior, she found herself intrigued by his disciplined mindset, particularly his practice of journaling. While Cooney-Cross occasionally journals, she leans more towards reading, currently engrossed in Thomas Erikson's 'Surrounded by Idiots,' a book exploring communication styles. She also praised 19-year-old full-back Josh Nichols as one of the best one-on-one defenders she'd ever encountered, humorously admitting she once got the better of him in a training duel.
Insights from the Pitch: Defensive Strategies and Mutual Respect
Josh Nichols confessed that Cooney-Cross had outmaneuvered him during a training session, highlighting her deceptive quickness. He expressed his admiration for her play, noting how observing her body positioning helped him improve his own game, especially when transitioning into a midfield role. Cooney-Cross, in turn, shared a key defensive strategy: focusing on an opponent's feet to anticipate their movements, as feet reveal intentions before the ball does.
Embracing New Roles and Opportunities at Arsenal
Cooney-Cross's exceptional ball control and precise passing have always captivated observers. Her former coach, Jonas Eidevall, once likened her to a 'running quarterback' in American football, acknowledging her composure. Since her arrival from Hammarby before the 2023-24 season, she has steadily increased her starting appearances in both the Women's Super League and the Champions League. With the new season on the horizon, Cooney-Cross sees fresh opportunities, especially with Coach Renee Slegers encouraging her to seize a starting position. She has actively participated in pre-season friendlies, showcasing her determination to become a vital part of Arsenal's starting lineup.
Dedicated Off-Season Training and Continuous Learning
Slegers has lauded Cooney-Cross's commitment to her summer regimen, which included intensified strength training and meticulous attention to nutrition. Even during her visit home to Melbourne, she consistently trained at the Geelong Athlete Centre, balancing professional development with family time. Cooney-Cross, who didn't grow up watching football, actively seeks inspiration from other players, drawing parallels between her style and that of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. She also learns from her Arsenal teammates, admiring Kim Little's consistency and Lia Walti's calm composure.
Mastering the Deep Midfield Role
A significant area of development for Cooney-Cross has been the defensive aspects of her game, particularly in the deep midfield position. Her discussions with Slegers, then Arsenal's individual-development coach, focused on off-the-ball movement. Cooney-Cross views the No. 6 role as demanding but privileged, acknowledging its importance as the midfield's backbone, requiring maturity and experience both on and off the ball.
International Ambitions and Future Outlook
Cooney-Cross is eager to translate her growth into her national team performances. A senior international since age 19, she was a standout player during the 2023 Women's World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The appointment of former Arsenal manager Joe Montemurro as the national team coach has filled her with optimism, especially with major tournaments like the Asian Cup, the 2027 World Cup, and the 2028 Olympics approaching. Montemurro's confidence in her abilities, expressed during a recent national team camp, has further fueled her excitement for the future.
Anticipating the New Season with Confidence
The unwavering support from Slegers and Montemurro provides Cooney-Cross with invaluable confidence as the new WSL season commences in September. Arsenal aims to challenge Chelsea's dominance, and Cooney-Cross feels empowered by the belief her coaches and teammates have in her. She is enthusiastic about the challenges ahead, ready to contribute significantly to Arsenal's pursuit of success.
