St Helens Women have promoted two of their academy stars to the first team for 2024!
Erin McDonald and Grace Arrowsmith will both train alongside the first team fulltime for the first time this season, after impressing during the 2022 season.
Both featured for Saints in the Nines competition last season, which allowed them to gain valuable first team experience in Matty Smith’s side.
Grace then spent two games at the back end of the 2023 Betfred Women’s Super League season on loan at Huddersfield Giants, allowing her to get some experience in top flight games heading into 2024.
Head Coach, Matty Smith: “When I headed down to the Academy games last year, these two players were always among the best players on the pitch. I also got to spend time with them both during the Nines tournament in 2023 as well, which they also both played very well in.”
“2024 will allow me the chance to work closer with Grace and Erin. I am looking forward to hopefully seeing them in a Saints shirt in the first team environment in the near future!”
Head of Women’s Development & Pathways, Jodie Cunningham: “It’s brilliant to see Erin and Grace promoted to the first team for 2024, they have both impressed in our 19s and I’m excited to see what they can do in the WSL this year!”
Academy Lead Coach, Tom McBride: “I am really excited and looking forward to watching Erin & Grace make the step up the first team squad for next season.”
“The girls have worked hard over the last few years, and this is the reward for them after performing well for us. We hope that this is the first of many girls who continue to make the step up in the coming years!”
An interview with Erin will be live for subscribers to Saints TV at 6:30pm, with Grace’s following at 7pm.
