Newcastle Women make academy history as Abbie Richardson signs professional deal

Newcastle United Women have announced that 18-year-old defender Abbie Richardson has signed her first professional contract. She is the first player to come through the club’s women’s academy and sign a professional deal with United.

Richardson was named in a senior matchday squad for the first time against Manchester City last season and trained with Tanya Oxtoby’s first team throughout pre-season. She has started five Under-21 games this campaign and scored the winning penalty against Everton in the PGA Cup last weekend.

A Newcastle supporter growing up, Richardson called signing for her childhood club “an unreal feeling”. Oxtoby praised her progress and said she sees “a really exciting future” for the defender.

After an 11-player summer overhaul of the first team, this is another sign of how well Newcastle Women are progressing across the club. It’s a brilliant achievement for Richardson and the academy. Amanda Staveley would be proud! Hopefully, Richardson is the first of many.