Hayes born Dear spent her formative years at Reading FC Girls’ Centre of Excellence before moving to Chelsea at the age of 14.
In March 2015, 18-year old Dear was loaned to neighbours Watford on a short-term basis where she played the first half of the season before moving back to Chelsea. But Dear left her London home at the start of the 2016 season to move to Everton where she spent the whole of last season.
She has been a regular in the England Youth teams, playing in the UEFA European U-19 Championships in 2015 where her brace of goals against Switzerland in the Elite Round helped the team to the finals in Israel.
She was also a member of Mo Marley’s England U-20 starting XI who beat both the USA and Brazil in an NTC Invitational Tournament in California last September.
Sheffield FC Ladies’ Manager Zoe Johnson told sheffield.fawsl.com: “I’m thrilled that Jenna has agreed to sign for us. She’s a player we’ve been speaking about for some time. She’s a fantastic addition to the squad, and I can’t wait to get her involved in her first competitive game.”
“She’s a great technician, reads the game well, and has a wealth of experience in the WSL at a young age, and will offer a different dimension to our midfield.”
“She has instantly fitted in with our players, and has bought into what we are about as a Club, and we’re all really looking forward to working with her.”
Dear, who will go straight into the squad for the game away at London Bees, is also looking forward to getting started: “I’ve enjoyed the past two weeks of training and all the girls have made me feel welcome since arriving. The professionalism and desire from the manager is clear, and this is something I am looking forward to working with, as this will only help me develop my game.”
“Playing for Sheffield is a great opportunity for me to get my confidence back, and start enjoying the game I fell in love with. I had some setbacks last season and needed to take some time out. Reflecting back and having time out made me realise that I needed to get back involved in the game as soon as I could..”
