Brighton & Hove Albion defender McEwan signs first professional deal | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Grace McEwan has signed her first professional contract with the club.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Seagulls this morning.

The 18-year-old joined the Brighton & Hove Albion academy system in 2023 and she has gone on to impress the coaching staff. McEwan quickly pushed her way onto the fringes of the senior squad and she was given limited first team minutes in the 2023/2024 season.

McEwan continued her development in a loan spell at Portsmouth last season. She helped the club to establish themselves in the second tier following their promotion from the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division. The player’s campaign was ended prematurely after she sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.

The defender is on the road to recovery and she can now look forward to an extended period at Brighton & Hove Albion after signing her first professional contract with the club.

After McEwan’s professional deal was announced, Brighton & Hove Albion’s women’s and girls’ academy manager, Perry Northeast said “We’re delighted that Grace has signed her first professional contract and committed her future to the club.

“She’s a talented young defender who has shown great promise and development over the past few seasons at Brighton.”

McEwan is expected to return to full fitness towards the end of the calendar year.