Swindon Town are delighted to announce that Elise Clayton has signed her first first-team contract ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 17-year-old attacker had a breakout season for Chiarna Deller’s development side, which culminated in being awarded Players’ Player of the Season. She tasted first-team action on a number of occasions following her first-team debut away to Bournemouth Sports back in November and her home debut at the Nigel Eady County Ground against Worthing, most recently in March.
Having impressed Manager Richard Wood during training, performances, and her attitude, he has rewarded the young player with her first first-team contract.
Richard Wood added: “Elise Clayton is an exceptionally talented young player who demonstrated at the end of last season that she is ready to begin training and earning opportunities with the first team.”
“Her decision-making and game understanding, combined with her technical ability, set her apart. Elise also displays humility, recognising her stage in her football journey and understanding that she will balance time between the development and first teams this season.”
“In training, she has proven capable of competing for a place at this level. To help her thrive, we must support her, ensure she faces no undue pressure, and allow her to continue enjoying her football. With this approach, she will flourish.”
Upon signing her first first-team contract, Elise Clayton said: “It’s all happened so quickly, so I haven’t really had time to process any of it, but it’s a great feeling and something I’ve been working towards for a while.”
“I won’t be forgetting last season anytime soon, on and off the pitch, I’ve got so many memories and I can’t pick a favourite. Every week, there was something new, and something even better and hopefully this season I can build on that.”
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