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Women bolster squad ahead of league campaign

2021-08-05T09:00:00.000Z

BURNLEY FC WOMEN WELCOME NEW FACES

Women bolster squad ahead of league campaign

2021-08-05T09:00:00.000Z

Women bolster squad ahead of league campaign

New recruits join Matt Bee’s side for third season in FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division

Michelle Saunders, Dominique Cooper, Millie Ravening, Mia Walters, Hollie Kelsh, Lucy Farrell and Lucia Molinari are the latest recruits to join the Claret ranks.

Courtney Willis, unpictured, has also joined the squad for the season ahead.

Winger Lucia joined Tranmere Rovers Women in 2015 and stayed for five seasons.

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Signing for the under 16s and playing for the first team for the last two seasons, Lucia joins Burnley FC Women for their third successive season in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.

Lucia said: “I’m very excited to be signing for Burnley, it’s a great club, with a lot of history. Everybody has a desire to win and work hard for each other.

“I have enjoyed my first few weeks here; the training has been second to none and all the girls have made me feel so welcome and part of the team. I am looking forward to playing in a team with such a great group of girls both on and off the pitch and developing as a player, learning from the players around me.”

Winger Courtney Willis has previously played for Liverpool Academy, Dynamo Rangers Girls and Skelmersdale United North.

“I’m excited to start this season here at Burnley. I wanted a new challenge and to put myself out of my comfort zone, to develop my game and experience new things. I can’t wait!”

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Right footed winger Mia Walters, joins from league rivals Loughborough Foxes.

Prior to this Walters was based in America at the University of Louisiana and spent her early playing years at Manchester City U13-15s, Manchester United Centre of Excellence, Everton Ladies and Crewe Alexandra.

"I'm excited for this next chapter in my football career, to develop as a player and as a person.

"I'm proud to be representing such an historic club with a loyal fan base and I'm looking forward to making a positive impact in the team."

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Experienced striker Michelle Saunders has played at Bolton, Stoke and Crewe Alexandra before making the switch to Burnley to join forwards Evie Priestley and Katie Thomas up front.

Meanwhile, Goalkeeper, seventeen-year-old Lucy Farrell, has played for Manchester United Academy, Manchester City Academy and Wales previously.

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On signing for the Clarets this summer Lucy said: “There is so much potential for this club which is what initially attracted me to it.

“However, it’s the togetherness within the team and the coaches that really stood out for me and I’m so grateful and excited to be part of the upcoming journey.”

In a boost to midfield, the side welcomes midfielders, Dominique Cooper, Millie Ravening and Hollie Kelsh.

Cooper, who joins from Sheffield United and prior to this has experience of Manchester City Academy and Manchester United Academy, is keen to get her first season as a Claret off to a flying start.

Dominique said: “I’m happy to have signed for Burnley. I think it’s a great opportunity for me as they are a club of high-quality and I’m excited to get going for the season.

“I’ve been training for a few weeks now and have settled in well, the girls were very welcoming. I’m looking forward to bringing what I have to the team and for us to push on and to challenge for promotion."

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Like Cooper, Millie Ravening has played at Manchester City Academy and Manchester United Academy, spending six years at United and five at City.

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Finally, Hollie Kelsh, who describes herself as an attacking midfielder who likes to get on the ball, dribble and create opportunities for the team said: “I’m super excited about signing for Burnley! The ambition and culture of the club matched mine and attracted me to the club. I’m really looking forward to playing with the girls and for Matt.

Signing from AFC Fylde Women, where she played for two seasons between 2017 and 2019, prior to this Kelsh spent four years playing football in America.

“I’m settling in really well and feel supported and excited for the upcoming season. I’m hoping to help the team win as many games and trophies as possible.”

The new faces join Matt Bee’s side for the 2021/22 season which begins on Sunday 15th August, with the Clarets travelling away to Sheffield FC Women.