Sheffield United have made their first signing of the summer, with goalkeeper Fran Kitching joining the FA Women’s Championship side from Chelsea.
Kitching left the Sheffield United Regional Talent Club (RTC) three years ago to join the Blues. She was on-loan at Watford last season and the Blades say she joins them with hopes of furthering her England prospects, having previously represented her country at youth level.
Speaking upon confirmation of Kitching’s signature, United manager Carla Ward remarked on sufc.co.uk: “I’m delighted Fran has agreed a deal to return to United, we’ve set out to get a number of former RTC players back and this is an important one.
“Fran was one of the outstanding goalkeepers in the WSL last season and someone we’ve been looking at for some time. She’s young and hungry and keen to learn, but she also has some fantastic experience from her time at Chelsea.”
Kitching added: “As soon as the Blades came in for me, my mind was made up.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to play for the club at senior level after coming through the Academy at the age of 10.
“It was a no brainer really as all my family are Blades and after speaking with the management and their vision for women’s football at Bramall Lane I was sold and wanted to make myself part of something exciting.”
