ALICE SÖNDERGAARD OPENS UP ON LIFE IN ITALY AND BATTLING BACK TO DO WHAT SHE LOVES THE MOST


“I don’t think people understand how much work we put in and how much we care about the sport.”


Born on Sweden’s West Coast, in one of the country’s most historical cities Gothenburg, Alice Söndergaard grew up playing football with her brother and dad in their local fields, dreaming one day that she may make it in the game.

Her family has been a huge source of support and inspiration throughout a journey which began at the age of six for Lerum IS. It was then at the tender age of 15 she received a call-up to the Swedish national team, a moment that made her release that she could have a future in football.

As a gifted and skilful striker, with an eye for goal, Alice was beginning to attract attention from scouts across the country and would move to Göteborg FC where she played in the Under 19 team, before signing her first professional contract at the age of 17 with BK Häcken in the Swedish First League.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing in Sweden.

At 19 years old Alice, would then move to Seattle in the United States, before returning to Sweden where she finished the season in the BK Häcken shirt.

It was then at the beginning of the 2023/24 season after impressing at a tryout for Italian side Sampdoria that she would seal a move to the Women’s Serie A playing for the Genova club.

It was here that her Italian adventure would begin, making six appearances for Sampdoria before the opportunity to go on loan at Hellas Verona Women arrived.

It was during her 5-month stay at Hellas Verona that she would make her mark, develop as a player, and showcase her ability.

Her performances with Hellas Verona caught the eye of Bologna where she has recently signed on loan for the 2024/25 seasons.

Alice has made a spectacular start to life in the Emilia-Romagna region as she recently scored her first goal in the 3-1 victory against RES Roma.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Bologna.

Alice’s journey to becoming a professional footballer has been challenging. At 18 she battled bravely against mental health issues, but through her determination and the support of her loving family, she is back doing what she loves and thriving in her new life in Italy and is an inspiration to anybody else going through difficult times.

The Atlantic Dispatch sat down with Alice as she spoke to us openly about her mental health, her career so far and the important role her family has played in her life.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Bologna.


IT IS SOMETHING THAT MAKES ME HAPPY

I grew up in Gothenburg, Sweden. My dad played football professionally and my brother also plays football so when I grew up they took me to the field as soon as I could walk, and I immediately knew it was something I wanted to do. 

My love for the game began the first time I encountered the field. For me, football was never a “task” or something I felt forced to do, it is something that makes me happy.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD growing up in Sweden.

I’ve always gone to the field with my dad and brother for as long as I can remember. They help me develop as a player and give me feedback, something I am very blessed with. I call them after every game and ask them what I can do better.

I started my career in “Lerum IS” where I grew up and I was lucky enough to play in a very successful team with players that even to this day play at high levels.

When I was 15 I played my first games for the Swedish National Team and this was when I started to realise that football was going to be my future.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Sweden.


I FELT AT HOME IN ITALY FROM THE BEGINNING

I moved to America when I was 19 and lived there for a year before I came back to Sweden for 3 months. Whilst I was back home I got the opportunity to try out for Sampdoria in Serie A.

The tryout went really well so I signed a contract with them and stayed in Bogliasco. For me moving from my family and friends wasn’t that hard because I already spent 1 year in Seattle with a 9 hour time difference.

The hardest part of moving to Italy was the language, not many people can speak English in Italy so it was difficult for me in the beginning.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Sampdoria.
ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Sampdoria.
ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Sampdoria.

Even though there were some language barriers I felt at home from the beginning in Italy. I got the opportunity to start against Juventus in my first game in Serie A so for me it was a couple of eventful months.


I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A PLACE WHERE I CAN BUILD MY CONFIDENCE

I spent 5 months playing for Sampdoria before I got the opportunity to go on a loan to Hellas Verona which was for me one of the best experiences I’ve had in my career.

As a young player in a new country, it always comes with a lot of pressure, but I want to play as much as possible.

Verona is an amazing club that helped me develop so much as a player and I got to show what I’m capable of.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Verona.
ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Verona.
ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Verona.
ALICE SÖNDERGAARD playing for Verona.

After my 5 months in Verona I agreed to renew my contract with Sampdoria and go on another loan but this time to Bologna.

I’ve been here for 1 month now and I am very happy with my decision. I feel like this is a place where I can build confidence and develop on and off the field.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD signs for Bologna.
ALICE SÖNDERGAARD with Bologna kit on.


DAD CAN WE GO TO THE FIELD

When I was 18 I struggled with mental health and it got so serious I actually had to take a break from football for 3 months. Something not many people know.

That’s the toughest time in my life and even though it felt like the darkest time it has made me the person I am today and it has made me more grateful for every time I step on the field.

My mum stood by my side every day and slowly helped me get better. I remember calling my dad the third month out saying “Dad can we go to the field”.

That day we went, but we didn’t train we just sat there at the field and he looked at me with the “proud dad” eyes. He was so happy to see me wanting to go back to the field again.

I slowly started getting back to training and after that, I became stronger than ever mentally.


MY MAIN PRIORITY IS MY FAMILY

I can talk about trophies, the national team or signing contracts but for me, the biggest highlight of my life was when I fought every day to get back to the field by myself.

I went to the gym every day even though I didn’t feel like it and I pushed myself in the field because I knew giving up wasn’t an option. Thanks to my agency CMG I could continue on a professional level because they never stopped believing in me.

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD with Verona.

Women’s football is growing every year and it is getting more and more recognition which I am very happy and proud of.

I don’t think people understand how much work we put in and how much we care about the sport. I am very happy it gets better every year. 

ALICE SÖNDERGAARD with Bologna.

Besides football, my main priority is my family. They are everything to me and I can’t describe with words how blessed I am to have them. They watch all my games and they always pick up the phone when I call.

I want to become the best version of myself and help the team as much as possible. I will keep my dreams to myself


All our thanks to Alice Söndergaard.

To learn more about Alice you can follow her on social media here.

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