Kyra Cooney-Cross Prepares for Arsenal Season with Lewis-Skelly Training

This summer’s been a wild ride for Kyra Cooney-Cross. The Australian footballer has taken some big steps, both on and off the pitch.

After Arsenal’s surprise win over Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final, Cooney-Cross has been everywhere—training hard, making new friends, and just generally leaving her mark. You can really see her drive and how she’s starting to influence the sport in her own way.

Kyra Cooney-Cross: A Summer of Growth

Since Arsenal’s dramatic Champions League victory, Cooney-Cross has barely had a moment to breathe. She went from wild celebrations straight into a tough off-season camp in Portugal.

She also managed to squeeze in a trip home to Australia. That gave her a chance to see family and recharge before the next season kicks off.

Off-Season Training in Portugal

In the Algarve, Portugal, Cooney-Cross joined a week-long training camp. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Josh Nichols, two up-and-coming Arsenal teens, trained with her.

The three of them didn’t just work out—they ate together, hung out, and built a bond Cooney-Cross calls “like family.” Honestly, it sounded like more than just drills and tactics; it was about learning from each other and growing as people.

Building Bonds and Learning Together

Cooney-Cross and Lewis-Skelly became close friends near the end of last season. She even calls him her “best mate.”

She’s four years older, but she says Lewis-Skelly’s attitude and work ethic really inspired her. Portugal gave them a chance to swap ideas, try out new techniques, and just push each other to get better.

Training Insights and Techniques

One big thing Cooney-Cross took from the camp? How much anticipation and body positioning matter on the field.

She likes to watch players’ feet instead of the ball, which helps her guess what they’ll do next. It worked well in their one-v-one sessions—she managed to get past Nichols more than once, showing off her close control and quick passing.

Preparation for the New Season

With the Women’s Super League (WSL) season coming up fast, Cooney-Cross is laser-focused on locking down a midfield spot for Arsenal.

She’s been hitting the gym, tweaking her nutrition, and just doing whatever it takes to become a core player. Head coach Renee Slegers keeps pushing her to step up and own the position.

Friendly Matches and Performance

In pre-season friendlies against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, Cooney-Cross played the full 90 minutes. She made a real impact from midfield, which didn’t go unnoticed.

Slegers seems genuinely impressed by her progress and is giving her the chance to prove herself as a regular starter.

Looking Ahead: International Ambitions

Cooney-Cross isn’t just thinking about club football. She’s got her sights set on her international career with Australia, too.

She’s been in the senior squad since she was 19, and now she’s become one of their key players. The team’s new coach, Joe Montemurro—a former Arsenal manager who loves attacking football—has her feeling optimistic about what’s next for the Matildas.

Upcoming Tournaments and Goals

The Asian Cup, the World Cup in Brazil, and the Los Angeles Olympics are all coming up. Cooney-Cross is hungry to make a difference in those tournaments.

Montemurro trusts her, and his vision for Australia’s future gives her extra motivation. She’s ready to take on a bigger role, both with Arsenal and the national team, and honestly, it feels like she’s just getting started.

Conclusion

Kyra Cooney-Cross has really poured her heart into football these past few months. She celebrated a Champions League win, pushed herself hard in training, and built tight bonds with her teammates.