Niamh Peacock makes history with switch from Arsenal to Portsmouth | OneFootball

Niamh Peacock. Credit: Portsmouth X

Niamh Peacock has become the first player to sign an Academy Development Registration contract in WSL 2, after joining Portsmouth until the end of the season from Arsenal.

Niamh Peacock j0ins Portsmouth

Portsmouth, who are 11th in the WSL 2 standings, announced the signing of Peacock on Friday afternoon.

The 17-year-old spent the first half of the season on a dual registration deal at Women’s National League side Watford.

Peacock, who joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of eight, will now spend the remainder of the campaign on the south coast.

Portsmouth boss Jay Sadler said: “I’m pleased Niamh has joined the football club. She is a strong, ball-playing defender who’s gained valuable experience in a top environment at Arsenal.

“We knew we needed to strengthen defensively, and we appreciate Arsenal allowing us to play a role in the next phase of her development.”

What are Academy Development Contracts?

Academy Development Contracts are formal agreements which commit a player to a club’s academy while allowing them the chance to boost their development with first-team experience elsewhere.

They are essentially the equivalent of the old dual registration deals. Peacock’s deal will allow her to continue her academy development at Arsenal, while getting the chance to obtain first-team minutes at WSL 2 side Portsmouth.

Meanwhile, the WSL have announced that new academy contracts will be introduced to the top two tiers of English women’s football from next season.

Unlike in men’s football, teams are currently unable to offer a contract to 16-year-old players.

The WSL believes that by introducing academy contracts, it will stop top WSL teams from being able to pick off players from other clubs.

A WSL spokesperson said: “We’ve been working for a number of years on what is the right regulatory framework for the girls’ and women’s game.

“The clubs are aware and in favour of them. We want to put the player at the heart of these decisions and for them to make their own choices on their education pathway.”

Peacock’s career so far

Peacock joined the Gunners at the age of eight and has been progressing through their youth ranks.

The 17-year-old defender has featured as high as Arsenal’s U21 squad.

She has also featured on the international level for England, appearing for the U17s during the European Championship.

Peacock will hope to get some first-team action at Portsmouth, who are battling to survive in the WSL 2.

Portsmouth are four points clear of bottom-placed side Ipswich Town, with nine games to go.