Manly, New South Wales, Australia
HOMETOWN
Western Sydney Wanderers
PRO EXPERIENCE
Previous Experience:
A well-rounded yet explosive attacking threat, Harding possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and technical ability that has the potential to take the league by storm. Harding has the pace to get behind defenders, the athleticism to win aerial battles, the strength to play with her back to goal and a rocket of a foot that can score from nearly any angle and distance. Paired with her relentless engine and high-effort style of play, Harding embodies the attacking intensity Fort Lauderdale aims to bring to every match.
Born in England, Harding moved to Australia at the age of six and was raised in the land Down Under. She began her professional career in 2020 with the Newcastle Jets in the A-League Women, Australia’s top-flight professional league, making 25 appearances over two seasons before signing with Western Sydney Wanderers ahead of the 2022 campaign.
Harding delivered a dominant breakout season in 2023/24, finishing near the top of the A-League in both goals (12) and assists (4). Her 12-goal tally set a new single-season scoring record for Western Sydney Wanderers, surpassing the club’s previous mark of seven with ease. For her standout campaign, she was awarded the prestigious Julie Dolan Medal, given annually to the A-League’s best player.
Her club success also translated to the international stage, as Harding received her first call-up to the Australian National Team during the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers. Ahead of a pair of matches against Uzbekistan, Harding earned a place on the Matildas’ matchday roster for both fixtures.
A proven and dynamic goalscorer, Harding will aim to become a key figure in Fort Lauderdale United’s attack as the club sets its sights on a return to the Super League Final in just its second season.
More About Sophie:
- Favorite Foods
- Steak
- Pasta
- Avocado Toast
- Favorite TV Shows
- Prison Break
- The Vampire Diaries
- Gossip Girl
- Favorite Movies
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
- Green Book
- The Shawshank Redemption
- Favorite Music Artists
- Morgan Wallen
- Chris Stapleton
- Luke Combs
- Fun Facts
- Sophie is the only person in her family without a British accent!
- She has seen over 10 country singers in concert and has always dreamed of going to Stagecoach!
- Sophie is a die-hard Chelsea FC fan.
