Rachel Newborough signs full-time pro deal with Charlton Athletic

BY JOSHUA BUNTING

Northern Ireland International Rachel Newborough has penned her first professional contract at FA Women’s Championship side Charlton Athletic.

The defender first got called up to the national team at the age of 16 playing in the U19 European Championship and World Cup.

Newborough qualifies for Northern Ireland through her mother Grainne. She missed out on the play-off win over Ukraine due to a knee injury as Northern Ireland made history in qualifying for Euro 2022.

Newborough said “It’s difficult to put into words, I’m just so excited and now we’re in the training ground and getting going, it’s starting to feel a bit more real.”

Newborough becomes the second player to sign a professional contract at the Addicks following the signing of goalkeeper Eartha Cumings last week.

Manager, Karen Hills added: “I’m really pleased for Rachel. She’s a leader in our group and she has earned the chance to play professionally and I’m looking forward to helping her develop further.”

Owner Thomas Sandgaard, who purchased Charlton Women earlier this year and made the decision to turn the club full-time, said: “Rachel has been an important part of Charlton Women for a few seasons now and I am very pleased that she will be playing for us again next season at what is a very exciting time for the club.”

Charlton finished eighth in the Championship last season.