It’s been a positive year to date for Scarlett Baker-Perry, who has gained further experience with our Senior Team.
The talented 16-year-old, who joined the Bluebirds in January this year, made her debut for Iain Darbyshire’s side in a 3-1 victory over The New Saints back in March.
Her 2024/25 campaign culminated in getting on the scoresheet for our U19s in the National Play-Off Final against Wrexham, in which City on penalties.
Ahead of this season, she was heavily involved in the Senior Team’s pre-season preparations.
“I learned a lot during that time,” Scarlett began. “It was an important period for me as a player because it gave me so many opportunities to learn from the coaches and my teammates.
“Being up with the Senior Team was very different to how I had done pre-season previously. The intensity of the preparations had a great impact on me and ever since then, I’ve been pushing myself as much as I can to improve.
“The entire squad were really helpful all throughout pre-season and since then as well. There’s a lot of players that I feel so comfortable to approach to ask questions to if I ever need help or want to ask for some advice.
“They use all the experience they’ve had from representing the Club to give their input and that is so useful for me to learn from.”
After a positive pre-season, Scarlett took her learnings into the campaign, coming on as a substitute in wins over Briton Ferry Llansawel and Swansea City.
That gave her the momentum to make her mark in a 6-1 victory over Aberystwyth Town last month, when she netted her first senior goal for the Bluebirds.
Scarlett continued: “It felt amazing to get that goal. It was one of the biggest achievements of my football career so far and a very important moment for me.
“It was nice that my teammates were so happy for me and they were just as excited as I was. That gave me a great feeling.
“This season so far has gone very well. We’ve had some great results and I have been so fortunate and thankful to get the experiences that I’ve had. I’m hoping to build on that and get some more as the season goes on.
“I’m very grateful to the coaches who have put their trust in me. I’m very aware that I need to take the chances that they give me and I’m working hard to achieve that.”
In our 7-0 victory over Flint Town United in the Adran Trophy last time out, Scarlett played the full 90 minutes and recorded an assist, continuing to make progress.
As we near the winter fixtures, she has set her sights on further development.
“We’ve got some important games coming up and I’m looking forward to being both a part of those and our journey as a squad this season. I’m going to do my best make an impact on the game whenever I’m called upon.
“It’s always about continuing to build, especially because I’m so young. I’m pleased with the experience that I’ve had in terms of my development, but I’m focused on continuing that progress.”