Last Sunday saw 16 year old, former Newton Aycliffe Youth FC player, Chloe Ryan make her debut for Durham Women’s FC first team against Manchester United Women. Since joining Durham from Teesside Regional Talent Club back in June, Chloe has risen from their Development team into the Reserves and now, after hard work and determination in training, earned herself a place on the bench for the FA Women’s Championship (formerly WSL2) fixture.
Chloe, a former pupil at Hummersknott Academy in Darlington and who now attends Durham Sixth Form Centre, came on late and found herself rubbing shoulders with established England Internationals Alex Greenwood, Siobhan Chamberlain and the former England Captain, Casey Stoney – now the United Manager. The table topping, unbeaten Red Devils hadn’t dropped a point until Durham’s visit. A 0-0 draw in front of nearly 3,000 fans at the Leigh Valley Sports Village ensured a happy trip home. Whilst keeping her feet firmly on the ground, the whole match day experience gave Chloe a taste of what can be achieved in the Women’s game today.
