Brentford Women’s First Team’s new Egyptian goalkeeper Azza Fouly has made quite the impact since signing for the club at the end of 2022. The 18-year-old made the big decision to leave her family in Egypt and move to England where she is continuing her studies and pursuing a career in football.

In a recent interview, Fouly explained her decision to move to England and how her first few months of living in a new country have been.

“It was a really tough decision to leave Egypt but studying in England was something I always wanted to do. I have some relatives that are also studying here, my brother is at Liverpool University so that made my choice a little easier.

“I go to the Royal Holloway University in Egham where I’m studying Business Management and Marketing which is a passion of mine, I’ve just finished my first semester so will be travelling back to Egypt over the Christmas period.

“Life in England has been very different from what I’m used to, whilst it has been really fun it has also been a little stressful and challenging. I have got lost more than I care to admit, but I’m learning a lot and feel that I am definitely growing as a person in this country.”

Fouly began playing football as a 14-year-old for her school team in Egypt where she was once an outfield player but an injury to her team’s goalkeeper is where the teenager’s journey between the sticks began.

“At first, I began playing football for a bit of fun, I have always been into different sports and because football is so big in Egypt it was natural for me to start playing.

“After our school’s keeper got injured, I volunteered to go in goal, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Now playing for Brentford I have big dreams of getting to the highest level possible in the game, but it’s crazy to look back at where it all began.”

Brentford’s new number one had no doubt in her mind that she wanted to find a club when she moved to England and explains why she felt the Bees were the best team for her.

“In the Premier League there are a few Egyptian stars, obviously Mo Salah is the biggest one to mention, because of this English football was something which everyone watched so I was aware of Brentford and that they would be based closely to wear I’m studying.

“I knew the club are well respected and hard working with ambitions to develop the women’s teams, this was extremely appealing to me, and I felt that I wanted to be a part of the journey.

“It was important to me that I chose the right environment where I would be able to improve my skills and become the best keeper possible.”

Before making her debut for the club at the end of November, Fouly trained for the Bees for several weeks where she developed under the guidance of goalkeeper trainer, Cameron Crook.

“I could tell within the first few training sessions with Cameron that Brentford is a great place for me to become a better goalkeeper.

“I have a lot of trust in him, we have built a strong relationship already, I have dreams of playing pro football and I think playing for Brentford could help me get near this.”

Fouly’s much-anticipated debut came on November 20 in the 2-0 County Cup win over local rivals Actonians Reserves, with the goalkeeper putting in an unbelievable performance.

The Egyptian made a number of brilliant saves to ensure her side left Gunnersbury Park with the victory.

Prior to scoring two second-half goals, Actonians put the Bees under real pressure and were awarded a penalty in the early stages of the penultimate half. Fouly pulled off a huge save from the spot kick to keep the score line level, ultimately giving her side the platform to go on and get the win.

“I think my debut reflects the kind of player I am and will continue to be, I always try to play with confidence as I feel this is when I’m at my best. I was very calm and didn’t let any emotions get in the way of putting in a strong performance for my new team.

“Saving the penalty was just an amazing feeling everyone was cheering for me, and I knew at that point I had proved myself.

“It was a brilliant day and I hope for many more like that, but I know I just need to take every game as it comes and give my all for the team.”

Fouly and the Women’s First Team will return to action in the new year as they continue their hunt for promotion from the London South East Regional Women’s Football League Division One North.