Newcastle United snap up highly-rated Wales U19 star
LLANDUDNO, WALES - 15 FEBRUARY 2022 - Elen Valentine at Cymru WU19 vs Scotland at OPS Wind Arena, Llandudno (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
Newcastle United Women have today completed the signing of Aberystwyth Town Women’s goalkeeper Elen Valentine, as the Wales Under 19 international makes the move into the FA Women’s National League North.
She joins the Magpies with a view of also gaining minutes elsewhere on dual registration, combined with initially playing for the development team at Newcastle, as she looks to continue her development in senior football.
After leaving Birmingham City’s Academy, Valentine joined the Adran Premier side last season, after attaining a scholarship where she would play for Aberystwyth Town as well as Aberystwyth University in BUCS.
In a parting statement to the club, she said: “I’ll always bleed green no matter where I play,” said Valentine. “Being at Aber has made me fall in love with football again, and the club staff and girls are the best set I have ever experienced.
“I will miss every single one so much and I’ll look forward to being back at Park Avenue as Aber’s biggest fan.”
However, she will now move to a club who have recently turned professional, with the aim of reaching the Women’s Super League in the English football pyramid.
“Elen will be a big loss,” said manager Gavin Allen to Aberystwyth’s official club website.
“She is a hugely ambitious and talented player, and this is a fantastic opportunity for her. We wish her all the very best with the next step of her career.”
The 19-year-old Aber star made 18 appearances in the Genero Adran Premier for the Seasiders, as the Mid Wales side survived the drop.
She also capped off her season with her first piece of silverware, after Aberystwyth won the Central Wales Football Association Ladies Challenge Cup, with Aber beating Llanfair United 7-0 in the final.
