AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth Women are delighted to announce the signings of Shannon Albuery and Kaitlyn Elliott.
The duo arrive ahead of the new National League season, which will see the Cherries kick-off at home to St Austell on Sunday 21st August.
At just 23 years old, Albuery possesses plenty of experience within the women’s game and represented Yeovil Town in the top tier across the 2018/19 season.
More recently, she netted 30 goals and bagged 13 assists in 35 games for Portsmouth in the Southern Premier Division last term, joining from the fellow south coast outfit.
Elliott grew up playing locally and joins the Cherries from Reading RTC.
Despite being just 15 years old, the midfielder been training with the club’s first team and will be eligible to step into women’s football following her 16th birthday in October.
After securing the signing of both Albuery and Elliott, women’s manager Steve Cuss expressed his delight.
“We’re delighted to welcome both players to AFC Bournemouth, with both settling in well across training and pre-season games.”
“Shannon is somebody we’ve been following for a long time, and we’re delighted that she has agreed to join. She brings with her experience at a higher level and has been a regular goal-scorer throughout her career”
“Kaitlyn is a player that I know well from local football, attending a number of our Bournemouth University supported Girls Development sessions, She was part of a very good Reading RTC last year, so delighted that she now has the opportunity to step into women’s football and we’re excited to see where that development will take her.”
After signing for the club, Albuery shared her thoughts with afcb.co.uk: “I know a few players here from my time at Portsmouth and they have all said a lot of good things about the club.
“Like me, they have a lot of ambition. I want to get back to the top level and Bournemouth have the ambition to get there as well. That’s what drove me to come here.”
Elliott also commented: “October feels like a long time away but I’m sure it’ll fly by. As soon as I can, I’ll be looking to get into the team as soon as possible. I can’t wait!
“It will be a very big step up against women, who are older and more physically able but I think I can prove myself in all aspects.”
