Abbie Richardson Secures First Professional Contract With Newcastle United Women

Newcastle United Women announced that defender Abbie Richardson has signed her first professional contract with the club.

The 18-year-old becomes the first player to progress through their academy and sign a professional deal with the club.

She made the matchday squad for the first time last season against Manchester City in the Subway Women’s League Cup, and trained with the first team throughout this pre-season.

The defender has started five games for the Under-21s this campaign, and scored the winning penalty against Everton in the PGA Cup last weekend.

On signing the contract for her childhood club, Richardson said: “It’s an unreal feeling. Growing up as a
Newcastle fan, it means so much especially for my family who have been fans their whole lives.

“Tanya [Oxtoby] has been so supportive, she has helped me to develop and adapt my position as well, she
has been really good. I have improved a lot being around the first team.”

Manager, Tanya Oxtoby, said: “I have been really impressed with Abbie’s development since I came into the club, and we see her as a player that can have a really exciting future here.

“She has worked hard when she has been in and around the first team, and has continued to show her progression while playing for the Under-21s. I’m looking forward to continuing working with Abbie to develop her potential.”

Director of Women’s Football, Grace Williams, said: “We are delighted that Abbie has signed her first professional contract with the club. It marks a significant moment in the journey that we are on, and highlights the important role that our academy plays in producing talented players through the pathway.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Abbie continue her progression this season and beyond.”