Holly Orr: I want to keep developing my game

Holly Orr: I want to keep developing my game

Young full-back excited for first team action.

Holly Orr has stepped up from the Leeds United Women Under-23s side, to join the first team this season.

Now working under Dan O’Hearne and his coaching staff, 18-year-old Orr is excited to see where her footballing career can go, whilst also keeping an eye on her studies at the same time. 

We caught up with the defender ahead of the new campaign beginning.  


So Holly, where did it all begin, how did you start playing football? 

“I have always enjoyed playing sport and I am part of a very sporty family, so I joined a football club when I was probably six or seven. It was my local grassroots club Wigton Moor, based in Leeds, and I stayed there until I was roughly 14. From there, I joined the academy at Leeds United at Under 16 level. I was with them for two years before then going on to join the Women’s team properly. 

“I was always interested in the game and I grew up playing multiple sports, but football was the one I found myself enjoying a lot more. I am very competitive and obviously so is football, so as I got better and played regularly, I put higher expectations upon myself to do well. That made me be able to become an academy player and it made me better.”

So that’s how it all started, now can you tell us about yourself as a player, what can we expect to see? 

“I would say I am a very attacking full back, because I used to be a winger. I grew up playing as a winger, predominantly on the left side. I have always had the attacking mindset and ability to cross, but I absolutely love the defending aspect of being a full back now. Going one vs one against opposition attackers, making the tackles, reading the game and winning the ball back is so exciting. Then, where possible, I like counter attacking and helping the team going forward, who knows maybe even getting the odd goal would be good!”

So having played in a couple of different positions, do you look at any professionals and try to copy their game at all? 

“My first inspiration in football was Lionel Messi, I feel like I am the same as many other people with that! That was probably all about ball control and his dribbling ability. The more I found out about football and especially women’s football, I started to really watch and admire Lucy Bronze. Her journey between Manchester City and Lyon, then going to the Olympics, as well as playing for England, it has been brilliant. I also have to say Luke Shaw, he’s had an amazing time playing at the Euros with his assists, his goal, his positioning throughout and general all round game.”

Jon Howe

As a young player, just how far do you want to progress in the game, and what are your aims off the pitch? 

“I am quite realistic, I know it’s very hard to get to the top and the chances of becoming a professional footballer are pretty slim. But, it is something I have always enjoyed so if it ever become possible to make football my career then I would absolutely love to pursue that. However, my university course will ideally allow me to work within football by being a physiotherapist. Being on the sidelines and helping within the game would be great as well.

“Josie Hewson - one of my teammates - is a qualified physio and has been helping me out with plenty of things to progress towards becoming one myself. I’ve also been chatting with some of the physio’s who are helping out with the team too, to get plenty of knowledge for the future. When I have had little niggles and injuries myself, I have got them to really explain everything so I can understand. Whether it is as a player or a physio, I would love to remain a part of this club for as long as possible in one way or another!”

Stepping up from the Under-23s this season to the first team, what differences or similarities have you noticed? 

"The coaching has been great within both teams, I have had experience of playing for both the first team and the Under-23s now and both sets of coaching staff have been amazing. The girls are also lovely in each side so I have had a great time both on the pitch and socially with everyone. I have found that the intensity is slightly higher within the first team environment and I really prefer that. The experience of the players around me and the level of fitness required has helped me to develop more.”

Away from football, how can we get to know you a bit better, any particular hobbies or interests? 

“Between football and academically, not a lot! I have always been really focused and I have clear aspirations to aim for. I was at the academy four times a week so that took up a lot of time, and in education I came out with quite good grades so I did always know when to work hard, which I hope will help in my football. 

“Other than that, I am a bit of a book nerd, I read a lot. I like philosophical books, that’s what I am reading at the minute. I like the physiological side and I feel that has helped me develop a positive mindset in life.”

Finally, what are your hopes and goals for the upcoming season with Leeds United Women? 

“I think I would like to see if I can get plenty of game time. I am really happy playing for Leeds, training with the first team and I want to keep developing my game. We’ve had some new players join and they have been great alongside the team from last season, so there is great experience to learn from. It’s an amazing opportunity, we have great facilities and access to nutritional information too along with great coaches who have helped everyone. 

“There is some great competition for places in the starting line-up and on the bench, so everyone will always be on it and hoping to be involved.”

Jon Howe

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