Darlington FC Women are delighted to announce their first signing of the summer, Laura Hodgson.

Laura, who is a defender, makes the move from Darlington Spraire Ladies F.C having spent the last two seasons playing for Spraire. Laura spent most of her youth at Spraire Lasses before moving to Marton for two seasons. Laura then had some time away from the game and started a family, having two daughters.

After a lengthy spell out of the game, Laura made her return to football through the Darlington F.C Foundation Women’s Recreational sessions. From there, she signed for Spraire and in her first season, helped them win the league and win promotion back to division 1. Last season, Laura was awarded the Players’ Player of the Season and we are excited to bring her to Darlington F.C.

Laura said; “I am very happy to sign and look forward to pulling on the shirt. I came up against Darlo last season and thought they were a great team with a lot of ambition. I know the team will be pushing for promotion this season and I'm excited to help the girls with that drive and be part of what Darlo are trying to achieve.”

Manager Shaun Mackenzie said; “Laura has been training with us for a few weeks now and has impressed more and more as the weeks have gone on. We knew of Laura, having played against her twice last season and we know what she will bring to the squad.

“She is the type of defender that I like, in terms of always being tight to players and aggressive in her attempts to win back possession. She is also very calm on the ball and will bring a bit more pace into the backline. She showed last Sunday in our first pre season friendly that she will slot straight into the squad and be a great option to have.

“Laura is also a threat in the opposition box from corners, and she showed that on Sunday with a headed goal with her first touch in the first couple of minutes of the game!Let’s hope that is a sign of things to come.”