WHEN Sophie Luff first played for Somerset back in 2009, little did she think 15 years later she would be announced as the club’s first full time professional women’s cricketer.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling - it’s a bit of a full circle moment because when I first appeared for the county playing cricket full time just wasn’t an option,” she said.

“Having been born and grown up and played locally I feel part of the set up, so to be representing Somerset as a fully professional player is really exciting.”

Since making her Somerset debut Sophie has spent many years as a schools coach, involved with Chance to Shine and other initiatives, as well as playing for her home county, Western Storm and more recently The 100. In fact she has been one of the leading lights in the development of women’s cricket.

“The way the women’s game has moved forward is a massive opportunity for those young girls just starting out and for our Pathway players.”

Sophie added: “Somerset have been brilliant - bidding for us in the first place. We have settled in really nicely and Jamie Cox coming in as CEO has been right behind us.

“Somerset is home to me - and there’s a special feeling when I drive through the gates here especially on a match day whether I’m coming to play or commentate on the Live Stream. It’s very welcoming place to play and train and I think the girls have all felt that in the first couple of weeks.”

So what does being a full time professional mean? “We train four days a week and this time of year there is a lot of physical preparation. The mornings are spent in the gym or out running and a lot of our skill time is in the afternoons, so I feel we are getting a good balance.

“We will go into a much more skills based period this side of Christmas with lots of balls being bowled and hit and then we will ramp it up after the break when it will be scenario based to make sure the girls are attuned to the game.

“I feel it’s a real privilege to turn up to work everyday and do something you absolutely love; I still can’t quite get used to it.”

“I will be nervous - I always am playing as a home girl and always feel very well supported but that also adds a little extra pressure.”