England youth international midfielder Ava Kuyken joins Bristol City Women from US Division 1 collegiate side Florida Gators.
Kuyken told bcfc.co.uk: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to return to club football in England and gain valuable experience at senior level in the Championship, which will be great for my development.
“Lauren (Smith) has been clear in what she wants to achieve this season and how she sees me contributing to the team – it’s a challenge I’m very much up for.”
Kuyken, who made 27 appearances for the Gators across her two-season spell, has represented England at five different age-groups and was previously at Arsenal for whom she played ten first team games.
Head Coach Smith said: “Ava is a talented and hardworking young player, who has great potential.
“Our environment here at Bristol City Women will allow her to develop and she will be a great asset to have at the club for the upcoming season.
“She has the potential to perform at the top level and after a couple of seasons of development both on and off the field over in the US I feel she can make a real impact at Bristol City.”
