Sydney FC defender Kirsty Fenton has signed a two-year contract extension with the reigning Liberty A-League Champions, set to run until the end of the 2025-26 season.
The 20-year-old has won two Championships in as many seasons with the Sky Blues but will spend the beginning of her third season continuing her rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament tear in March.
Fenton missed the latter stage of the regular season as well as the finals as Sydney surged to the Championship.
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After the confirmation of her two-year contract extension, Fenton confirmed she’s targeting a return to play in early 2025.
“It’s exciting to sign for two years, I’m blessed to be here under Ante (Juric) and in this environment with the girls,” she said.
“It’s helped me learn so much both on and off the field and having the experience of the leadership group Nat (Tobin), Macca (Hawkesby), Charlotte (Mclean), Cortnee (Vine), Jada (Whyman) and Prinny (Ibini), I’m so lucky to be here and I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
“The experience and professionalism here makes you want to work hard and not let anyone down.
“I’m privileged to be a part of this and it’s very hard to keep a spot here, so to stay for two more seasons is great.”
“It’s (the injury) progressing really well and I’ll hopefully be running in a month, so we are looking on track,” Fenton added.
“A few weeks after that I’ll be able to kick the ball and build up the speed, but the plan is to be back in January or February. I’m hoping I could have half of the season left so this gives me more motivation to ensure I do this injury right.
“This time off has helped me and I want to come back stronger.”
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Fenton has made 36 appearances for Sydney FC to date after joining the club from Newcastle Jets. Sydney head coach Ante Juric says the intention is for Fenton to play a crucial role in the pursuit of a Championship treble in 2024-25.
“Kirsty had two outstanding campaigns until injury robbed her of the chance to complete last season,” he said.
“She is a higher level player with all around ability and excellent on field attributes.
“She also gives us great versatility in different positions when we need it so it’s a real bonus that she has re-signed for us.
“We hope her recovery goes well enough for her to be available for a large part of our next campaign.”
