There’s a particular kind of anticipation that surrounds a young footballer on the brink of breaking through.
It’s not the kind of loud explosive hype that accompanies a marquee signing, but something quieter, steadier and often more meaningful — the feeling that a club’s identity is renewing itself from within.
Sunderland Women have long been defined by their pathway, their commitment to youth and their belief that the next generation should be shaped in red and white from the earliest stages. In
recent months, one name has begun to embody that philosophy with growing clarity: Chloe Paxton.
Her rise has been gradual, deliberate, and deeply rooted in the region’s footballing culture. Yet the recent photos and videos of her training with the senior squad have shifted her story into a new phase.
They aren’t just snapshots of a promising teenager — they’re a signal of intent. They show a player trusted by the coaching staff, welcomed by senior professionals and increasingly seen as part of Sunderland’s future.
For supporters, these glimpses have sparked excitement; for the club, they represent the continued success of a pathway that’s produced some of the most recognisable names in English women’s football. And for Paxton herself, they mark the beginning of a transition she has worked toward for years.
Her journey didn’t begin at Sunderland and nor did it begin within the formal academy system. Instead, it began in the grassroots world of North East schools football, where she made history long before she pulled on a Sunderland shirt.
During the 2019/2020 season, Paxton became the first girl ever selected for a Newcastle Boys’ representative team in the 125‑year history of the association, breaking a barrier that had stood since 1892.
The Newcastle Schools FA records this milestone with pride, noting her selection for the Under‑13 boys side as a landmark moment in their long and storied history. It was a testament not only to her ability but to her determination to compete at the highest level available to her, regardless of convention.
That early achievement says much about her character — and those who’ve worked with her echo that sentiment. Indeed, one coach described her in unmistakable terms:
Chloe Paxton is an absolute warrior. She came into SAFC Women’s Academy at U14s, and before that she played in a boys’ team.
She had a really bad injury in her last season at U16s which kept her out for a year, but she never gives up, so I knew she would come back stronger. She is a tough character on the pitch — no one will get past her — but also a really nice person off the pitch.
Before her injury, at U15s she was on the England radar, so I think they might still be keeping track of her.
This insight reinforces what her journey already suggests: that Paxton has always been someone who seeks out the toughest challenges, embraces adversity, and refuses to be defined by setbacks. That mindset has carried her through every stage of her development and is now propelling her toward the senior setup at Sunderland.
This season, her performances for the Professional Game Academy have been central to her growing reputation. Sunderland’s December update on the PGA programme described a positive start to the campaign, highlighting the strength of the group, the quality of performances and the progress of individual players.
Although the article didn’t highlight specific players, the broader context reflects the environment in which Paxton has been thriving: a competitive, ambitious academy designed to prepare players for senior football through high‑level coaching, structured development, and exposure to challenging fixtures.
Within that environment, Paxton has stood out for her consistency, intelligence and composure.
Her style of play is defined by clarity and control. Whether operating as a defender or stepping into midfield zones, she reads the game with a maturity that belies her age. She anticipates danger early, positions herself intelligently and makes decisions that slow the tempo rather than speed it up.
Additionally, her passing is purposeful and precise, and she carries the ball with a confidence that suggests she isn’t merely participating in the game but shaping it.
What makes Paxton particularly impressive is her ability to defend proactively.
She steps into passing lanes, cuts off angles and forces opponents into less threatening areas. She doesn’t rely solely on physicality or last‑ditch interventions; instead, she uses her understanding of space and timing to prevent problems before they arise. This kind of defensive intelligence is rare in young players and is often a sign of someone who’s spent years studying the game, not just playing it.
Her calmness in possession is another defining trait.
Under pressure, she doesn’t panic. Instead, she scans early, chooses sensible options and maintains control even when opponents attempt to disrupt her rhythm. This composure has made her a stabilising presence for the PGA side and someone teammates look to when the game becomes chaotic or when leadership is required.
Her development hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The coaching staff at Sunderland have increasingly integrated her into senior training sessions, giving her the opportunity to test herself against experienced professionals and adapt to the speed and physicality of the WSL2 environment. These sessions are not ceremonial — they’re earned, and they reflect a belief that she’s ready to be challenged, ready to learn and ready to take the next steps in her progression.
Although Paxton hasn’t yet made her official senior debut, she’s already had a taste of first team football and during Sunderland’s pre‑season campaign, Paxton featured in the club’s victories over Celtic and Rangers, coming off the bench in both matches.
These appearances were more than symbolic. They were opportunities to experience senior football in a competitive setting, to feel the pace and intensity of the game, and to demonstrate that she could hold her own against strong opposition. For a young player, these moments are invaluable, building confidence, accelerating learning and providing a glimpse of what the future might hold.
Her involvement in pre‑season also reflects the club’s broader philosophy, as Sunderland have always believed in giving young players meaningful opportunities and not minutes for the sake of it.
When a player from the academy steps onto the pitch with the first team, it’s because the staff believe they’re ready for that moment. Paxton’s inclusion in those matches shows that she isn’t simply a long‑term project but a player who’s already knocking on the door.
The significance of her rise extends beyond her individual story — it speaks to the strength of Sunderland’s pathway and a system that’s produced some of the most influential players in the women’s game.
From Jill Scott to Lucy Bronze to Jordan Nobbs, the club’s legacy is built on developing talent from within. That tradition continues today through the PGA, which has become a vital part of the club’s identity and a key driver of its long‑term strategy.
The pathway isn’t theoretical. Instead, it’s active, functioning and producing results, and Paxton’s emergence is the latest example of this. She represents the next generation of Sunderland players: shaped by the club’s values, supported by its infrastructure and inspired by the legacy of those who came before her.
Her aspirations align perfectly with this environment and those who know her describe a player who’s driven, grounded, and quietly ambitious.
She isn’t interested in shortcuts or superficial attention. She’s focused on the work, the training sessions, the analysis and the incremental improvements that accumulate over time. Her goal isn’t simply to make the senior squad but to contribute meaningfully once she gets there. She wants to be a player who earns her place through performance, not potential.
This mindset has made her a natural fit within the senior training environment.
She listens, adapts, competes, absorbs information quickly and applies it with confidence. The senior players have responded positively to her presence, recognising both her talent and her attitude. In a squad that values unity, humility and collective effort, Paxton’s approach fits seamlessly.
The next steps in her journey will be crucial, as training with the senior team is a significant milestone, but it’s also a testing ground.
It allows coaches to evaluate her readiness, identify areas for growth and determine how she might fit into the squad’s tactical structure. For Paxton, it’s an opportunity to learn from experienced players, adapt to the demands of senior football and continue building the foundations for her eventual debut.
Her performances for the PGA suggest she’s ready for this challenge.
She’s shown consistency, resilience, and a capacity to influence games. She’s also demonstrated leadership qualities even at a young age, and has become a player her teammates rely on. These attributes will serve her well as she navigates the transition to senior football.
What makes this particularly exciting is the sense that she’s still growing.
Her ceiling remains high and her development trajectory continues to trend upward. She has the technical foundation, tactical intelligence and mental resilience required to succeed at the senior level, and with continued support, guidance and opportunity, she has the potential to become a key figure for Sunderland in the years ahead.
Recent training sessions with the senior squad aren’t a guarantee of immediate first team minutes, but they’re a clear indication that she’s on the right path. They show that the coaching staff see her as part of the club’s future and as someone worth investing time and resources into. They also show that she’s being prepared — not rushed or thrown in prematurely, but developed with intention and care.
For supporters, her rise is a reminder of what makes Sunderland special.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing a young player come through the ranks, to be shaped by the club’s culture and values and begin to take their place within the senior setup. It creates a sense of connection, pride and continuity, reinforcing the idea that the club isn’t just a team but a community with a shared identity and long‑term vision.
Paxton embodies that identity.
She’s hardworking, intelligent, grounded, and ambitious. She represents the club’s commitment to youth development and its belief in building a future rooted in homegrown talent. Her rise is a reminder that the pathway is alive and thriving, and that the next generation of Sunderland players is already taking shape.
As the women’s game continues to grow, stories like Paxton’s become even more important.
They highlight the value of strong academies, the impact of thoughtful development and the excitement that comes from seeing young players take their first steps towards senior football.
For Sunderland, her emergence is a sign of progress and promise; for Paxton, it’s the beginning of a journey that could define her career and for everyone watching, it’s a chance to witness the rise of a player who could become a central figure in Sunderland’s future — a player whose talent, attitude, and potential make her one of the most intriguing young prospects in the club’s system.
The photos and videos of her training with the senior team are more than just glimpses. They represent the early chapters of a story still being written, one training session, one performance, and one opportunity at a time.
Seeing Paxton on the bench against a WSL side in the FA Cup — albeit not featuring in the game — was once again an indication of the belief the club management has in her.
