A product of the Chelsea Academy, Beever-Jones looked up to her now team-mate Fran Kirby and the young striker is hoping that she too can be a role model for young girls who have a dream of becoming a professional footballer in the women’s game.

Beever-Jones made her debut for Chelsea Women last season and in her first interview since signing her first contract with the Blues, the 18-year-old talks about her time in the Chelsea Academy, what it is like to play alongside a player she grew up idolising and the impact Emma Hayes has had on her development.

What does this contract mean to you?

It means everything to me. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am now. It’s been a childhood dream of mine, so for it to come true is amazing. I can’t thank Chelsea enough for all the support they have given me. It’s the best feeling in the world.

Talk us through your football journey so far?

When I was younger, I wasn’t a typical girly girl! I would play with the boys, and I’ve always been quite drawn to football. I was happiest when I was playing, so my mum took me to the local boys’ team and there, I got scouted to play for AFC Wimbledon. I was there for a few years; I gradually improved and then went for a trial at Chelsea. I got in and I’ve been at the Academy for the last nine to 10 seasons. It’s been such a great experience.

How has Emma Hayes helped your game over the past year?

She’s always been a big role model of mine and to work under her has been truly amazing. She is such an amazing person and I’m learning every day under her watch. She’s helped me improve both on the pitch and as a person. She’s inspired me and gave me an insight into what it takes to play for Chelsea. I’ll always be grateful for what she has done for me.

With the quality that we have in the squad, how has that helped your game?

We’ve got so many world-class players in our squad, so by playing with them you are learning every day. They were so welcoming when I first came in and it’s nice when they give us tips and advice. I’m a sponge, absorbing everything. You can see how much they enjoy the game so being able to work with them has been incredible.

Working with strikers like Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, Bethany England – how have they helped you?

They’ve been amazing, especially Beth. She’s always asking me if I’ve understood everything. All three of them, you can see how much they love winning, so being under them is good for me to see what it takes to be the best. Both Sam and Fran had incredible seasons, so even to just watch them has been so inspiring for me. I aspire to be like them and hopefully even better!

You made your debut and also made your first start for the club last season – what did that mean to you?

It meant the world to me and really gave me the confidence as a player. To be a part of the team, and contributing to the 32 unbeaten run, I felt so proud and honoured to represent Chelsea. I will never forget that moment when I stepped onto the pitch against Villa, it was unreal and like I’ve said, it was a childhood dream.

You were also included on some of our Champions League trips last season – what was that experience like for you?

It was a phenomenal experience. It was so inspiring to see how hard the girls worked, and it filled me with a lot of pride. It was amazing.

What are your personal aims going in the new season?

My aim is to make a mark for myself and get recognised. Maybe going somewhere to get some game time and playing at a high-level week in week out would be good for me next season.

Looking ahead a little bit further, what do you hope to achieve over the next few years?

The main aim is to be a senior player at Chelsea and hopefully play for the Lionesses. I want to be a recognised Women’s Super League player and to also be a role model for little girls. When I was younger, I looked up to Fran Kirby so to be playing with her now is a dream.