Sunderland AFC Ladies are excited to confirm five first-team players have signed contracts with the club.
Keira Ramshaw, Emma Kelly, Louise Griffiths, Emily Scarr and Jessica Brown have all put pen-to-paper on deals until the end of the 2022-23 season, as Mel Reay secures the services of five regular members of the Lasses’ side – adding to Neve Herron, who remains under contract for the new campaign.
Having completed the deal to take her first-team stay into a 13th full season, team captain Ramshaw said: “I am delighted to have signed another deal with my hometown club Sunderland. This club means the world to me.
“I can’t wait to get started with all the Lasses, Mel, Steph and all the staff, and work towards our squad targets. We’re one big Sunderland family.”
Vice-captain Kelly begins her second season with the side having led by example last term, adding: “I’m delighted to be staying on with the club.
We’re definitely heading in the right direction, and I’m excited to continue being part of the journey.”
Griffiths played the second-highest number of league minutes in Reay’s team during last season’s Championship campaign, and said: “It was a positive season last year, so coming off the back of that it’s great to sign and look forward.
“I’ve been at the club 11 years now, so I feel it’s an accomplishment for myself personally, and we have a bright future as a team under Mel and Steph – especially with the young players we have coming through.”
Scarr joint-top-scored in the Championship last season, during which a highlight was earning the SAFC Goal of the Month award for March for a stunning finish among her two goals away at Sheffield United. The forwarded added: “Signing a new contract with the club is something I’m delighted with.
“I can’t wait to get started again for the new season and push on with all the team.”
Brown’s season was certainly a remarkable one as she established herself as a regular in the first-team side, contributing with important goals on both the first and last days of the league campaign.
“I’m buzzing to have got the deal done,” the winger said.
“I’m delighted for the opportunity, and now I’m just excited for the season ahead.”
All deals are subject to regulatory processes. A full SAFC Ladies retained list will be published imminently.