It’s rare to make your league debut in one of the biggest derbies in British football, and it’s rarer still to do so at just 19.

But that’s exactly what happened for UCFB student and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Elisha Sulola, who recently made her Women’s Super League debut in the North London derby versus Arsenal.

Although the result wasn’t what she or Spurs would have wanted – a 6-1 defeat to their bitter rivals – it didn’t taint what was a huge milestone for Elisha in her professional playing journey as she came on as a 91st minute substitute for Alanna Kennedy.

The BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management student said: “Despite the result, the elation of coming onto the pitch for my league debut in such a high profile game is an experience I’ll never forget!”

Elisha signed her first professional contract with Spurs in September this year, after joining the club as a 12-year-old and being part of the WSL Academy. She made her Spurs debut last season in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup, assisting a goal in a 6-0 win over Lewes. Elisha’s first goal for the club came in a 5-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley in January.

There is also a neat symmetry between Elisha’s student life and that as a Tottenham player – not only does she study at The Hive, but Barnet’s stadium is also where Tottenham Hotspur Women play their home games.