'I have a letter from a nine-year-old fan on my cupboard door' - Sheffield United's Amy Andrews motivated by taking unconventional route

There is no lip service being paid, on whatever side of the barrier you stand. Amy Andrews was one of those girls who leant across in her youth, now it is she who makes a few memories for the smiling faces of the young Sheffield United fans that greet her at Bramall Lane.

“You don't realise who's there waiting for you, there could be a child that's been waiting for so long to meet you and for you to just sign something and have a photo with them and it means the world,” says the 26-year-old forward who is in her second year with the Blades in WSL2.

“We have the opportunity to give back to our fans that spend money and time coming to watch us. We get letters from the fans. I had one from a nine-year-old that I've stuck on my cupboard door. I look at it every day and it motivates me.”

Her own story is an inspirational one. Andrews didn’t get into professional football via the now conventional route through an elite club academy.

She had to go to America to find her path after two club academies near her Birmingham home chewed her up and spat her out.

“I felt like we weren't really cared for,” laments Andrews. “It made me quit the game for a year and then I went back to my local club with my best friends because I just wanted to enjoy my football again.

“Then America came up and that's how I got here, I had to take the harder route, I've been fighting against opinions and a different background all my life.

“There's kids now that have got Nike deals who are assigned to WSL teams but haven't played in the WSL.

“Going to America (she attended Western Illinois) shaped me to be the player and person I am today, because you just learn so much, leaving home at 18. It was quite difficult at first but I got used to it in the end, and I'd do it again if I could and would definitely recommend it.”

Forging a career in England

When she returned home she had spells in the second tier with Durham Cestria and Newcastle United. But after falling out of favour at Newcastle when new investment came in, Sheffield United offered her a fresh start in July 2025.

“When I met with the coaching staff and analysts, they valued me a lot, they showed me clips of me playing and how they're going to bring that out of me,” says Andrews.

“I just thought I need to get a hard-working club that's going to play me and value me.”

She has found her home in Sheffield. Andrews scored 10 goals last season - “United helped me rediscover my confidence” - and bagged her first hat-trick against former club Durham at Bramall Lane in September.

“That’s something I’ve had on my list of goals since I've turned professional, so it meant a lot,” she beams. “But I immediately turned my thoughts to when can I get my next one.”

Showcase game at Bramall Lane

It may happen on Saturday night against Bristol City at Bramall Lane, a showcase game for which adult tickets are £10, concessions £5.

“The pitch at Bramall Lane is so smooth, like a carpet,” she says.

“It's a privilege to play there. I remember playing for Newcastle at St James’ Park against AC Milan, scoring the equaliser in the last minute and then a penalty in the penalty shoot-out; that was unbelievable. I played there when there were 38,000 fans - amazing

“It gave me a taster of what I want to achieve. I know I'm good enough to get to the WSL. There's no point playing football if you don't have those goals, because what are you fighting for?

“I never got that opportunity to take the conventional route when I was growing up, so that's what I'm striving for. That's what motivates me.

“I feel like the odd one out. I'm so hungry to prove people wrong. I want people to hear my story.

“I've got big, big dreams.”