Shelbie takes a hiatus from football to heal from an injury and then re-signs with Leyton Orient. Shelbie was born and raised in America, where she played football in Cincinnati before relocating to the UK.
Shelbie is a midfielder who will add experience and calmness on the ball and will look to chip in with a goal or two.
Hannah played last season at Bowers & Pitsea, where she is joining us. Hannah will provide some valuable experience between the sticks having played division 5 football.
Hannah is a highly dominant ‘keeper who can play with great confidence with her feet in addition to having safe hands. Five seasons ago, Hannah made the switch from a capable attacker to a goalie, and she hasn’t looked back.
Young keeper Delainy has a lot of tremendous potential. Delainy began her football career on boy’s teams before moving up to the women’s division with Barking Reserves in the previous campaign. Considering her age, Delainy has a wonderful vocal presence.
Ayla comes to us from Melbourne, Australia, where she plays for Spring Hills FC in the Victoria Premier League.
Tayla is a full-back with a lot of energy who enjoys moving up and down the pitch and can play either side.
Building on the U18 team’s previous season’s success, some members of the team have proven they can compete in women’s football for the 24/25. Following in the footsteps of Grace Edwards-Collins, Layla Crouch-Salmon, and Chloe Kabo, three more young athletes, who highlight the robust player pathway we have in place within our organisation.
We anticipate having additional opportunities to give our younger players—five of whom have already stepped up into the first team—to advance into women’s football as the season goes on.
Last season, “Tee” successfully transitioned to the women’s team. Her wing speed and intensity will constantly pose a threat to the defences of the opposition. Tee has demonstrated throughout the preseason that she is very goal-oriented.
During the preseason, Sion has continued her lethal goal-scoring form from the previous season. We are eager to watch Sion, a talented striker with quick feet, advance to the senior football team. Sion will continue to have two registrations for the U18 team during the season.
Chloe has come a long way in a short period of time. She is a flexible player who plays with excellent poise all over the back line. Chloe is a cunning defender with good ball handling skills.
Riley is a strong defender who welcomes a challenge. Riley is strong and has excellent timing, but he also has a knack for making a pass that can split the defence.
Brogan is a quick, skilful attacker who is fascinating to watch. She was sidelined last season due to an injury, but she put in a lot of work during the summer and preseason to prove she deserves a spot on the women’s team.