Newcastle Jets have rewarded 18-year-old academy prospect Claire Adams with a scholarship contract in the senior squad for the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
Adams joined the Jets at the age of nine; the midfielder has spent half of her life at the club and, having risen through the youth ranks, has been rewarded with an opportunity in head coach Ryan Campbell’s Ninja A-League squad.
“To be given this opportunity is surreal,” said Adams upon confirmation of her scholarship contract.
“I have been at the club since I was nine and have dreamed of making it to this stage.
“I’m very excited to start the season and continue on with what this team achieved last season and hopefully do better because we have a talented squad.”
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Adams joins Bel Rolley, Danielle Krzyzaniak, India Breier, Ava Piazza, Chloe Walandouw, Josie Allan and Mia Green as the eighth new arrival in the Jets’ senior squad ahead of the new campaign.
There’s a great sense of optimism at the club leading into season 2024-25 after a Semi-Final finish under head coach Campbell last time out; the positive outlook at the club is reflected in the number of players recommitting for another season, with Cassidy Davis, Emma Dundas, Claudia Cicco, Sophie Hoban, Natasha Prior, Milan Hammond, Libby Copus-Brown, Tiahna Robertson, Lorena Baumann, Josie Wilson, Josie Allan, Chloe Walandouw, Lara Gooch all set to go around again in Jets colours.
After adding Adams to his 2024-25, Campbell lauded the 18-year-old as a player to watch in the future.
“Claire is a player that has been showing immense potential in our academy over the last few years,” he said.
“She has the technical ability and creativity to have a positive impact on games and with the addition of the resources we can use to develop her in other areas. I am excited to see what she can produce this season.”